Klopp to leave Borussia Dortmund after end of Bundesliga season
DORTMUND, Germany --
Jurgen Klopp said Wednesday that he will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season after seven years in charge, stepping down after a dismal season for the club.
Dortmund agreed to terminate Klopp's contract, which was valid through 2018, on June 30. There was no immediate word on his successor.
''I have said over the years that, when I have the feeling I am no longer the perfect coach for this extraordinary club, I would say that,'' Klopp said.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said at a news conference that the coach had earned ''the eternal thanks'' of the club's supporters.
Klopp led Dortmund to Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, won the German Cup in 2012 and reached the 2013 Champions League final.
Dortmund was runner-up to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in 2013 and 2014 but its form slumped this season.
Dortmund has clawed its way off the bottom and is now 10th in the 18-team league, six points clear of the relegation zone with six matches to play. However, it has lost its last two matches.
Klopp, who has been linked to clubs in England and Spain, said he has ''nothing in the hand'' from any other team and had no plans for a sabbatical - ''though it could of course be that I have to take one, or whatever a free half-year is called, I don't know.''
''Nothing is planned, nothing is calculated, nothing is down to tactics,'' he said, adding that he wants to end the season ''as outstandingly as possible.''
