Ottmar Hitzfeld has been named Bayern Munich new manager, succeeding Felix Magath, who was sacked earlier on Wednesday, the Bundesliga champions said. Bayern's disappointing goalless home draw against relegation-threatened Bochum forced this schocking, according to a statement published by the club. The draw left the German champions in fourth place in the Bundesliga with the fear of losing a champions league spot next season. "We had to react due to concern over a Champions League place for next season'' read the statement. Magath replaced Hitzfeld in 2004 and guided the club to back-to-back domestic doubles but chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the decision had to be made. "We regret having to make this decision," said Rummenigge.
Magath "Felix Magath has had amazing success over the last two-and-a-half years, especially winning the double two years in a row. But we had to take a look at recent developments and react. "We are worried about qualifying for the Champions League next season and that was what forced our hand." Magath admitted that Bayern lost hope for regaining the Bundesliga title after Tuesday's draw. "We don't need to talk about the title any more," Magath told reporters. "We have to make sure of getting second or third." Bayern also crashed out of the German cup after a humiliating 4-2 defeat at the hands of Bundesliga strugglers Alemannia Aachen. Hitzfeld had a successful reign as Bayern coach between 1998 and 2004, winning four Bundesliga titles, two German cup titles and a UEFA Champions league trophy. Hitzfeld's contract with Bayern should keep him in charge at the Allianz Arena until the end of the current season.
