Bayern Munich have sacked coach Louis van Gaal after less than two seasons in charge.
The Dutchman guided Bayern to the Bundesliga title and Champions League final in his first season as boss, but it has been a difficult second campaign for the 59-year-old that has been plagued with disappointing results and off-field conflicts.
The club recently ended speculation about van Gaal’s future by confirming he would be leaving the Allianz Arena at the end of the campaign, but following the 1-1 draw with Nuremberg that saw them slip out of the Champions League qualifying places, his exit has now been brought forward.
A club statement read: “The board, director of sport and president of FC Bayern took this decision together.
“After the 1-1 draw in Nurnberg and the renewed slide to fourth in the table, and with the threat of missing out on the minimum aim of a place in the Champions League next season, this decision was taken in FC Bayern's best interests.
“Louis van Gaal's assistants Frans Hoek, Jos van Dijk and Max Reckers have also been relieved of their duties.”
The club have previously confirmed that Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes will take over at the end of the campaign.