BERLIN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen have sacked head coach Heiko Herrlich and appointed Dutchman Peter Bosz with immediate effect, the Bundesliga side confirmed in an official statement on Sunday.
After long back and forth Leverkusen released Heiko Herrlich from all his duties despite four victories from the last five games.
"The stagnation of the team's development is no longer deniable unfortunately," Leverkusen's CEO Rudi Voeller said. "Even though we reduced the distance to the international business in the table, we find ourselves in an unsatisfactory situation which forced us to make a change on the coaching position."
Leverkusen went through a lot ups and downs since the arrival of Heiko Herrlich in July 2017 as the club sits on a disappointing 9th place in the standings. Nonetheless, Leverkusen will overwinter in the UEFA Europa League after reaching the round of the last 32.
Due to the "stagnation of the team's development" Leverkusen decided to sign head coach Peter Bosz alongside with his assistant Hendrik Kruzen until June 2020.
"Peter Bosz stands for an offensive and fast-paced style of play. He has already shown his passion for working with young talents at other clubs. Our team will benefit from coach Bosz. Especially with Ajax Amsterdam he has proved that he can improve young players, form a team and establish it internationally," Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said.
In the summer of 2016, Bosz took over the reins at Ajax Amsterdam where he finished with a young squad on the second place in Netherlands' top flight. Besides he led Ajax into the Euopa League final where he lost 2-0 to Manchester United.
After his spell at Ajax Amsterdam, Bosz joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017 before he was sacked in December due to weak results and a too offensively minded alignment.
Leverkusen new head coach will take the helm officially on January 4 and start the preparations for the second half of the Bundesliga season, which will continue on January 18.
