Why Bayern Munich have turned to Eintracht Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac as their replacement for Jupp Heynckes
Current manager Jupp Heynckes will leave the club at the end of the season
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Croatian Niko Kovac will take over as Bayern Munich coach next season, succeeding Jupp Heynckes who is leaving at the end of the season, the German champions said on Friday.
“Niko Kovac will be the new coach from July 1, 2018,” said Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic in a statement. “We agreed yesterday on a three-year contract.”
It’s not difficult to see why the Bundesliga champions have turned to Eintracht Frankfurt coach Kovac.
The Croat is exceptionally well thought of in Germany, saving Frankfurt from relegation after taking over in March 2016 and leading them to the German Cup final the following season. Champions League qualification is possible this season after another stellar campaign and Frankfurt has a German Cup semi-final match against Schalke next week.
Kovac has worked with a very tight budget at Frankfurt and yet has led them up the table regardless, implementing an attacking style of football with an attractive 3-5-2 formation.
Kicker magazine said Kovac informed Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic on Thursday of his intention to move, though his two-year deal with Bayern was first struck two weeks ago.
He takes over from Jupp Heynckes, 72, who stepped out of retirement to take charge at Bayern last October but has long said he will not continue beyond the end of the season. Bayern's attempts to convince Heynckes otherwise were unsuccessful.
Tabloids Bild and Sport Bild also reported this morning that Bayern has settled on its former defensive midfielder as coach. Bild said Kovac is to bring his brother Robert as assistant coach, while efforts were also made to keep Heynckes' assistant, Peter Hermann, at the club.
Despite relative inexperience after a stint in charge of Croatia, Kovac saved Frankfurt from relegation after taking over in March 2016 and led them to the German Cup final the following season. Champions League qualification is possible this season after another stellar campaign. Frankfurt have a German Cup semi-final match against Schalke next week.
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