The Western Sydney Wanderers have sacked coach Markus Babbel.
The club has given the former German international his marching orders less than 24 hours after a 1-0 loss to Perth at Bankwest Stadium.
He first joined the club for the 2018-19 season.
“It is unfortunate that we have needed to take this course of action because we have a great relationship with Markus,” said Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer.
“However we firmly believe that we have a great squad and the results are most definitely not reflective of the ability of the players at this club and certainly do not reflect the aspirations of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club.
“We have total faith in the group of players here at the Wanderers and look forward to pushing on with renewed vigour towards the finals series.”
A message from Markus Babbel.#WSW pic.twitter.com/I1bDop6oFK
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) January 20, 2020
Jean Paul de Marigny has been appointed as caretaker coach, supported by assistant coach Labinot Haliti, while the club commences its search for a new head coach.
Despite a reasonably strong start to the 2019-20 season, the Wanderers have won just four matches and now sit in ninth spot on the ladder.
Reports started to emerge several weeks ago that Babbel’s future at the Wanderers was far from safe, with speculation ramping up overnight.
The Wanderers have a bye this weekend.
The club will hold a press conference this afternoon where CEO John Tsatsimas will address the media.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.