Henke to take Kaiserslautern helm

Successful partnership
Henke was Hitzfeld's No2 when BV Borussia Dortmund lifted the UEFA Champions League in 1997, and again when FC Bayern München triumphed in the same competition four years later. Until now, the 48-year-old has not been a head coach but he will take charge at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in the summer after agreeing a one-year deal.

'The time is right'
Henke, who also has a one-year extension option, will replace caretaker coach Hans Werner Moser, who took the helm following the departure of Kurt Jara on 6 April. "I'm really looking forward to the challenge," Henke said. "Kaiserslautern have a long tradition and I feel the time is right to take charge of a Bundesliga side."

Great potential
Kaiserslautern chairman René C Jäggi is delighted with the coup, believing the new man has a wealth of invaluable experience. "Henke has a lot of experience as an assistant coach and he definitely has the potential to be the man in charge," Jäggi said. "He's worked for the biggest clubs and the national side with some of the most successful coaches around."