Favre resigns from Mönchengladbach role

Lucien Favre has resigned as coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach following five straight defeats in the Bundesliga and an opening loss in their debut UEFA Champions League campaign.

"It was an unforgettable time here in Monchengladbach, as I was able to lead the club from near relegation into the Champions League," said the 57-year-old. "But right now I don't feel as if I am the perfect coach for the club. I have to be honest to myself and my partners … I need to make this decision for Borussia and the future [of the club]."

Favre, capped 24 times for Switzerland during his playing career, approached the club with his desire to leave on Sunday morning following Saturday's 1-0 loss at Köln, but the club's management made every effort to convince him to stay. "We are still completely convinced that Lucien Favre is the perfect coach for Borussia and that we could get through this tough situation together," said sporting director Max Eberl.

Club president Rolf Königs added: "We hoped we could persuade him to stay. With his public resignation, we are now faced with facts and this is a huge blow to us." Gladbach, who lost 3-0 to Sevilla in their UEFA Champions League Group D opener on Tuesday, have yet to announce a successor.