Jurgen Klinsmann has stepped down as head coach of Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin after just 10 weeks, taking the team by surprise.
Former Germany and USA soccer team coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced on his Facebook page that he is resigning as head coach of Hertha Berlin. Klinsmann added that he would return to sitting on the club's advisory board.
On his Facebook page, the 55-year-old Klinsmann wrote: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to all players, fans, spectators, coaches and employees of Hertha BSC for the support, the many encounters and the exchange in the past 10 weeks."
"This time was extremely exciting for me and brought many interesting new insights. The club and the city have grown dearer to my heart," he added.
Klinsmann attributed his decision "trust" issues that had frustrated him. He said: "As head coach, however, I also need the trust of the people involved for this task, which has not yet been completed. Unity, cohesion and focus on the essential are the most important elements, especially in the relegation battle."
"If they are not guaranteed, I cannot exploit my potential as a trainer and therefore cannot live up to my responsibility. Therefore, after much deliberation, I came to the conclusion that I would give my position as head coach at Hertha."
Under his leadership, Klinsmann led Hertha Berlin to three victories, three draws and four losses, including a narrow extra-time loss to FC Schalke 04 in the German Cup last week.
In a statement on the club's website, Hertha sporting director Michael Preetz said: "We were very surprised by what happened this morning. There were no previous indications of this decision, especially after the support shown throughout a busy winter transfer market in regards to signings. We will provide further information as the situation develops."
Klinsmann's assistant Alexander Nouri will take charge as interim head coach in the club's upcoming game at Paderborn on Saturday.
