Bayern Munich coach to leave at the end of the season

BERLIN - Bayern Munich said Monday that coach Louis van Gaal is to leave at the end of the season, one year early, after three defeats in a row and qualification for the Champions League on a knife-edge.

The German giants, who are accustomed to winning, are fifth in the Bundesliga and seven points adrift of the second place that would guarantee Champions League football next season.

By their standards, this is a poor season.

Bayern's patience with the 59-year-old Dutchman appeared to have run out after a fully deserved 3-1 defeat to Hanover on Saturday, which left them 19 points shy of where the defending champions expect to be -- at the top.

Van Gaal himself said in late 2010 that his were not easy shoes to fill.

"There are not many who have my experience and track record," he said.

"Ferguson, Mourinho and Capello maybe, but they need to be able to speak German and Capello still can't speak English."


ORIGINAL SOURCE