Manager Felix Magath has been sacked by FC Schalke following a meeting of the Bundesliga club’s board.
Magath had found himself under increasing pressure while the Royal Blues floundered in the German top flight this season, and the Veltins-Arena outfit are just 10th in the table with eight games to go.
The 57-year-old former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg boss has, however, guided them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but that has not been enough to keep him in the post.
Chairman Clemens Tonnies told the club's official website: “Schalke have very good reasons to part company with Felix Magath.
“We will not communicate these reasons as a legal battle now awaits us.
“We're very disappointed about the departure of Felix, but we feel this is the best solution for Schalke.”
Magath did not attend the meeting, with his lawyer claiming there was not sufficient notice given to his client.
Ralf Hoecker said: “Mr. Magath only received a minimal and incomplete agenda of the meeting on Tuesday.
“He needs to be well prepared if he is to debate about important subjects.”