Sunday 5 March 2017 18:40, UK
Bayer Leverkusen have sacked head coach Roger Schmidt following Saturday's heavy 6-2 defeat to Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Schmidt arrived at Leverkusen in April 2014 following a successful stint with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and last season he guided the club to a third-place finish in the German top-flight.
However, results and performances have not been as good this term and the hammering at Dortmund - Leverkusen's fourth defeat in six league games - left the club languishing in ninth place.
They are also facing an early exit from the knockout stages of the Champions League having lost their last-16 first-leg home meeting with Atletico Madrid 4-2 last month.
Schmidt will not oversee the return fixture, with Leverkusen on Sunday announcing on their official website they had "parted company" with the 49-year-old.
A statement published on bayer04.de read: "The decision was made by the shareholders committee on the recommendation of the club and sporting management.
"An announcement on the appointment of the coach will follow in due course."
Leverkusen chief executive Michael Schade added: "Given the current situation in terms of results and after detailed and careful consideration we have reached this painful yet unavoidable decision in the best interests of Bayer.
"It was very difficult for me to take this step as we have a lot to thank Roger Schmidt for. During his time in charge we have qualified for the Champions League group stage three times.
"He also implemented the philosophy of our youth policy in exemplary fashion bringing through young players including to international level and thus securing the future development of the club."
Sporting director Rudi Voller was already looking to the future, with a tough league clash with Werder Bremen on the horizon before Leverkusen travel to Madrid to face Atletico on March 15.
"I believe Roger Schmidt is an absolute top coach and I have always given him my full support," said Voller. "But we have to act now if we are not going to lose touch with our targets.
"Now it's all about making a new start and finding consistency in our performances.
"Our team has great quality but unfortunately we have seen far too little of that this season. Following the departure of Roger Schmidt it is down to the players to show they still have that quality."
