Struggling Dortmund sack Bosz, appoint Stoeger

BERLIN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund have relieved Peter Bosz from all his duties and appointed former Cologne head coach Peter Stoeger with immediate effect, the "BVB" announced in an official press conference on Sunday.

After Saturday's 2-1 loss to bottom side Werder Bremen and the eighth winless game in row, Dortmund reacted and parted company with Dutchman Peter Bosz.

"Last night we talked with Peter Bosz and decided to release him with immediate effect. It was very emotional but also classy," Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said.

The 54-year-old coach joined the "BVB" after a successful spell at Ajam Amsterdam in July. Bosz started perfectly into his job as Dortmund reaped six wins from seven games into the season to take the lead in the standings with a five-point advantage.

However, things changed dramatically as Dortmund lost surprisingly to newly promoted Hannover 4-2. It was the start of negative run as the "Black and Yellows" haven't secured a victory ever since.

Dortmund's last victory dates back to October 24 when they crushed third division team Magdeburg in the German Cup. To make things worse, the "BVB" crashed out of the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in six years with only two points from six games.

As a result, Dortmund officials pulled the ripcord to stop the downtrend and appointed head coach Peter Stoeger as the successor of Bosz.

"We are grateful that he was spontaneously ready to help and to conclude the season with us," Watzke said.

Peter Stoeger, who was just dismissed by last placed Cologne last Sunday, will take the helm until the end of the season after putting pen to paper on deal until June 2018.

"He has done an excellent job at Cologne for over four years, developing the club steadily. He has proved that his team is characterized by great stability. That is what we are most lacking at the moment. There is no doubt that we can play football. There is a lack of stability, especially on the defence," Dortmund's sporting director Michal Zorc said.

Dortmund sit currently on the 7th place with a 13 point gap to front runners and rivals Bayern Munich. The "BVB" encounter Mainz at the 16th round on Tuesday. Enditem