Van Marwijk leaves Dortmund

BV Borussia Dortmund have parted company with their coach Bert van Marwijk in the wake of yesterday's 2-1 home defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Disappointing start
The 54-year-old Dutchman, who joined in 2004 from Feyenoord, was originally due to leave in the summer. But Sunday's loss left ambitious Dortmund ninth at the winter break in Germany, two places below their finishes in Van Marwijk's previous seasons, and fans made their displeasure known.

Hitzfeld will not return
Ottmar Hitzfeld, who led Dortmund to victory in the 1996/97 UEFA Champions League and subsequently enjoyed a successful spell with FC Bayern München, has revealed that he has turned down the chance to succeed Van Marwijk. "I've received a very interesting offer from Borussia Dortmund to take over the post as head trainer at my former club," Hitzfeld said. "After careful consideration, I told Mr. Watzke today that I want to remain a television analyst and am not available to coach the club."