Liverpool FC: Former Reds defender Marcus Babbel sacked as Hertha Berlin boss
by James Pearce, Liverpool EchoDec 20 2011

FORMER Liverpool FC defender Markus Babbel has been sacked as manager of Hertha Berlin after falling out with the club’s hierarchy.

General manager Michael Preetz says he was left with “no other choice” after Babbel announced his intention to leave when his contract expired at the end of the season.

“A continuing, faithful co-operation just was no longer possible,” Preetz said.

“It is my job to protect Hertha from damage and there was simply no more trust there.”


The war of words between Babbel and Preetz escalated after Berlin’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Babbel says he informed Preetz of his decision not to extend his contract last month but Preetz insists he was only told last Tuesday.

“I have not said the truth for six weeks for the sake of this club and that is not very comfortable and I don’t really like doing that,” Babbel said.

“I always did what I was told. I gave my notice at the start of November during the international break.”

However, Preetz claimed that was “completely false” and added: “When such an important thing is being discussed, then I definitely tune in.”

Preetz has the backing of club president Werner Gegenbauer and showed Babbel the door with assistant coach Rainer Widmayer in charge for tomorrow’s cup tie with Kaiserslautern.

“The development over the past two days, which have culminated in me being branded a liar several times, leave me and Hertha no other choice,” added Preetz. “The relationship of trust is no longer there.”

Babbel made 73 appearances for the Reds between 2000 and 2002.



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk...81361/#ixzz1h4KKASv1