Van Gaal leaves Bayern, Jonker caretaker

Louis van Gaal has left his post as FC Bayern München coach with immediate effect.

Van Gaal, already due to be replaced by Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes in the summer, was let go early following Saturday's 1-1 draw at 1. FC Nürnberg. The result allowed Hannover 96 to move a point ahead of Bayern into third and the club have appointed Van Gaal's Dutch assistant coach Andries Jonker as caretaker for the remainder of the campaign.

A statement explained: "Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Nürnberg means Bayern have slipped back to fourth place in the Bundesliga standings, increasing the danger of the club failing to hit their minimum target for the season, the chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

"As well as Louis van Gaal, his assistants Frans Hoek, Jos van Dijk and Max Reckers have also been relieved of their duties. The board, director of sport and president have now appointed Andries Jonker to coach the team until the end of the season. Jonker, 48, will be assisted by Hermann Gerland, 56, Marcel Bout, 47, and goalkeeping coach Walter Junghans, 52."

Jonker, who has been No2 to Van Gaal at Bayern since 2009 having fulfilled the same role with FC Barcelona in 2002/03, has previously been in charge of FC Volendam, MVV Maastricht and Willem II. Five games remain in the Bundesliga season with the top two progressing straight to the UEFA Champions League group stage and a third team entering the play-offs.