Ottmar Hitzfeld appears set for Borussia Dortmund return


dpa German Press Agency
Published: Monday December 18, 2006

Hamburg- German top coach Ottmar Hitzfeld appears ready to make a sensational return to Borussia Dortmund, the club he led to European Champions League glory in 1997 and two Bundesliga titles as well. Club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke on Monday hinted that the club was in talks with Hitzfeld but that no deal was done yet to replace Bert van Marwijk.

The Westfälische Rundschau daily reported on Monday that Hitzfeld, 57, is due to take over from the Dutchman van Marwijk within the next days.

"I will neither confirm nor dismiss this report. Fact is that there is no agreement yet," Watzke told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

Hitzfeld coached Dortmund 1991-1997, and moved on to Bayern Munich in 1998 until 2004 after another year as Dortmund sports director.

He enjoyed vast success, winning the Champions League and Intercontinental Cup with Dortmund in 1997 and with Munich in 2001. He also has two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund, four with Munich, and two German cup titles as well with Munich.

Hitzfeld has been out of coaching since having to leave Munich in 2004. He took a long break to recharge his batteries and on Sunday said he had no interest in coaching SV Hamburg who appear set to sack Thomas Doll.

Dortmund announced two weeks ago that van Marwijk's contract will not be renewed beyond the season.

But a 2-1 home home defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday only further suggested that the Dutchman will have to leave the 10th- placed club during the winter break which started on Monday.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency