Official: Hertha dismiss Labbadia and Preetz
Bruno Labbadia and Michael Preetz have been sacked by Hertha BSC.
Hertha BSC have parted ways with head coach Bruno Labbadia and managing director for sport Michael Preetz following Saturday's 1-4 loss to Werder Bremen.
Sporting director Arne Friedrich will take on Preetz's tasks for the rest of the season.
"Hertha BSC owe a lot to Michael Preetz. He has been closely associated with our club for almost 25 years, initially as a player and now for almost twelve years in the position of sporting director," said Hertha president Werner Gegenbauer and added:
"Michael Preetz has established the club in the Bundesliga in sporting terms over these years, but in view of developments in both the past and current seasons, we have come to the decision to fill this position anew for the future. Nevertheless, I would like to expressly thank Michael Preetz for the good cooperation over the many years."
Hertha are expecting to announce Labbadia's successor as head coach in the coming days, according to Carsten Schmidt, chairman of the management board.
"Bruno Labbadia and his coaching team have put a lot of work into the development of the team week after week. He deserves a lot of thanks for that," said Schmidt.
"Ultimately, however, we have to note that we are in a very serious situation with 17 points after 18 games. Therefore, after careful consideration, we have decided to set a new impulse with a change of coach. We will clarify the succession in the coaching position in the coming days."