End in sight for Hitzfeld
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Article summary
Ottmar Hitzfeld is planning to "win as many titles as possible" before standing down as FC Bayern München coach when his contract expires at the season's end.
Article top media content
Article body
FC Bayern München coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has announced he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports in Germany.
Ambition
"I already told the club three weeks ago of my decision to finish in the summer," Hitzfeld told German sports news agency SID. "I will try again over the next half year to be successful and win as many titles as possible." Hitzfeld began his second stint as Bayern coach on 1 February last year, taking over from Felix Magath. His contract runs through to the end of June 2008.
Success
Hitzfeld came under pressure prior to the mid-season break when Bayern suffered a slump in form, although they still lead the Bundesliga on goal difference from Werder Bremen. The 58-year-old led BV Borussia Dortmund to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 1997 and also won Europe's top club competition with Bayern in 2001. He guided the Bavarian side to four domestic titles and two German Cups during his first spell at the club between 1998 and 2004. Bayern play Aberdeen FC in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 in February.
