Jara the man for Kaiserslautern
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Article summary
Kurt Jara has taken charge of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, replacing Erik Gerets who was dismissed yesterday.
Article body
Austrian Kurt Jara has taken charge of German Bundesliga side 1. FC Kaiserslautern, who yesterday parted company with coach Erik Gerets.
Improved deal
The Kaiserslautern chairman René Jäggi confirmed the appointment at a press conference today, although Jara was not in attendance. The 52-year-old was sacked by Hamburger SV in October, three months after signing an improved two-year contract in recognition of his role in Hamburg's fourth-placed finish in 2002/03. Jara, who has signed a contract until 30 June 2005, previously led FC Tirol Innsbruck to two Austrian titles and will be joined by assistant coach Manfred Linzmaier, with whom he worked at Hamburg and Tirol.
Relegation battle
Jara, who will be assisted by Manfred Linzmaier, takes over a team in 16th position in the 18-team Bundesliga, two points above the bottom club, Hertha BSC Berlin. Jara's first game against 1. FC Köln could hardly have more at stake with Saturday's opponents a point and a place above Kaiserslautern. Gerets had been in charge at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion since September 2002.
