Source: Daily_Mail
Champions League quarter-finalists Schalke sack manager Felix Magath
Champions League quarter-finalists Schalke have taken the curious step of sacking manager Felix Magath with immediate effect. [LNB]The German outfit, who could face Tottenham, Manchester United and potentially Chelsea in the last eight of Europe's premier competition, currently sit 10th in their domestic league, five points clear of relegation.[LNB] Up in arms: Schalkes have sacked Felix Magath after just 20 months in charge[LNB] Magath has been at the helm for just 20 months but in that timeguided the team to second place in the table last term andqualification to the Champions League. His status, and that of theclub, was further boosted in the summer with the marquee signing ofRaul from Real Madrid.[LNB]The Royal Blues announced the decision was taken by the club's supervisory board at an extraordinary session this morning.[LNB]Chairman Clemens Tonnies told the club's official website there were 'very good reasons' for the move, adding, 'We will not make these public as a legal battle is now ahead of us.But we very relaxed about this process. What we have decided is a goodresult for Schalke.'[LNB]This season they have been inconsistent. They sit only 10th in thetable, but are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions Leagueand the final of the DFB-Pokal.[LNB]Magath, 57, who has won the Bundesliga title with both Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich, has been under a cloud for some time.[LNB] Protest: The banner reads 'Magath, get out!' but other sections of fans have backed the boss[LNB]Magath chose not to attend the emergency board meeting as, accordingto a statement from his lawyer reported in Kicker magazine, he felt hehad not been sufficiently informed about he topics up for discussion.[LNB]The statement from Ralf Hocker read: 'Mr Magath won't attendWednesday's board meeting as he feels participating doesn't make anysense. The club yesterday sent Mr Magath only a minimal and incompleteagenda of the meeting.[LNB] High times: Schalke have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League[LNB]'If Mr Magath is to get the opportunity to speak, he has to know what the session is essentially about. We therefore asked the club to finally let us know what the concrete accusations are and provide us with the appropriate documentation.'[LNB]Former Bayern Munich boss Magath was both coach and general manager at Schalke. He worked alongside Horst Heldt in the second role. In a board reshuffle, Schalke announced Heldt would now have sole responsibility for the role.[LNB]According to reports in Germany, former Hoffenheim boss Ralf Rangnick is set to be named as Magath's successor as coach.[LNB] Bayern Munich 2 Inter 3 (agg 3-3): Late Pandev strike sends holders through Follow the latest news and view from world football with TwitterGame in Spain: Raul may have snubbed Man United but is there an unlikely trip to Old Trafford ahead?'Anything is possible now!' Spurs riding wave of optimism after Milan win[LNB] Explore more:People: Felix Magath Places: Germany, Europe
