Bernd Schuster resigns from Besiktas
Former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has resigned from Besiktas, the club announced Tuesday.
Club official Mete Duren said the German coach decided to part ways with Besiktas saying he did not want ''to waste the club's resources.'' The decision came despite a unanimous vote by Besiktas' board of directors to keep Schuster as coach, Duren said.
''Mr. Schuster stated that he felt he could not make the contribution he would have liked to and felt that he could not give more to the club in the future,'' Duren said.
Besiktas appointed former player and Turkey international Tayfur Havutcu as coach, Duren said. Havutcu was assistant coach under Schuster.
Schuster's decision to quit follows Besiktas' 0-0 draw against Manisapor over the weekend. The club is in seventh place in the Turkish league - 21 points behind leader Fenerbahce.
The club was also eliminated from the Europa League in February. Its only realistic hope of a trophy and European qualification is in the Turkish Cup, where it has reached the semifinals.
Schuster joined Besiktas in June on a two-year contract and has helped attract several high-profile players, including Ricardo Quaresma, Simao Sabrosa and former Real Madrid captain Jose Maria ''Guti'' Gutierrez.