Funkel to lead Hertha fightback
Saturday, October 3, 2009
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Hertha BSC Berlin, bottom of both UEFA Europa League Group D and the Bundesliga, have appointed former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Friedhelm Funkel in time for the game with Hamburger SV.
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Hertha BSC Berlin, bottom of both UEFA Europa League Group D and the Bundesliga, have appointed Friedhelm Funkel as their new coach.
Sunday start
The 55-year-old takes the helm with immediate effect, starting with Sunday's league encounter with pre-weekend leaders Hamburger SV. He replaces Lucien Favre, who left after the 5-1 loss to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim last Sunday, their sixth straight Bundesliga defeat, and more immediately succeeds caretaker Karsten Heine, in charge for the 1-0 loss at Sporting Clube de Portugal on Thursday that left Hertha on one point from two Group D fixtures.
Experience
Funkel, on contract until June 2010, was previously in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt, leading them into the top flight in his first season of 2004/05 and keeping them up for the last four years. Before that he coached KFC Bayer Uerdingen 05, MSV Duisburg, FC Hansa Rostock and 1. FC Köln, gaining experience of Bundesliga relegation fights at all of his former clubs. Hertha's UEFA Europa League campaign resumes on 22 October at home to SC Heerenveen.
