Bayern Munich sack Niko Kovac

Bayern Munich part company with Niko Kovac following 5-1 away loss at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday

Bayern Munich have announced the sacking of coach Niko Kovac.

The news comes after Saturday's 5-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt, which was the Bundesliga champions' second in 10 Bundesliga matches this season and their biggest loss since a 5-1 loss to Wolfsburg in 2009.

Bayern are currently fourth in the table, four points behind league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

The former Croatia midfielder took over since July 2018 and helped Bayern to a league and cup double last season.

Read the statement from Bayern Munich's website below:

FC Bayern Munich have relieved head coach Niko Kovac of his duties as head coach. That was the result of a mutual discussion with Niko Kovac on Sunday involving FC Bayern president Uli Hoeneß, FC Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and FC Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, during which Niko Kovac offered his resignation.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained: “The performances of our team in recent weeks and the results have shown us that there was a need for action. Uli Hoeneß, Hasan Salihamidzic and I had an open and serious discussion with Niko this Sunday based on that and came to the mutual decision that Niko is no longer head coach of FC Bayern. We all regret this development. I would like to thank Niko Kovac on behalf of FC Bayern for his work, particularly for last season’s double win.”

Assistant coach Hansi Flick will take charge of the FC Bayern first team until further notice and prepare the team for the important games in the Champions League against Olympiacos on Wednesday and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

“I’m now expecting a positive development from our players and an absolute desire to perform so we can achieve our goals for the season,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Niko Kovac stated: “I think this is the correct decision for the club at this time. The results and the way we’ve played lately have led me to this decision. My brother Robert and I would like to thank FC Bayern for these past 18 months. During that time our team won the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Supercup. It was a good time. I wish the club and the team all the very best.”