Jurgen Klopp to Leave Borussia Dortmund at End of Season

German daily Bild earlier reported on its website that Klopp had asked to be released from his contract, which is due to run until 2018, and that former Mainz 05 coach Thomas Tuchel was to replace him.

Dortmund declined to comment publicly but have called a news conference for 1.30 pm local time (1130 GMT).

Dortmund have had a dismal domestic campaign which saw the club Klopp led to titles in 2011 and 2012 battle with relegation until recently.

The Bild report, widely circulated throughout the German media on Wednesday, said Klopp had asked for his contract, due to run until 2018, be dissolved at the end of the season and would most likely take a year out.

Klopp took over at Dortmund in 2008 and won two league titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as the German Cup as he challenged Bayern Munich for dominance in the Bundesliga while also reaching the Champions League in 2013.

CROWD FAVOURITE

Enthusiastic, spontaneous and emotional, Klopp has long been a crowd favourite at the former European champions, helping them restore their position as Bundesliga heavyweights with an exciting brand of attacking football.

His stint also coincided with Dortmund's financial growth after the club was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2005.

But it all went wrong this season with a poor first half with Dortmund falling to last place in the Bundesliga before a comeback in the New Year saw them rise to 10th.

They were also eliminated by Juventus in the Champions League round of 16 but are through to the semi-finals of the German Cup.

The 47-year-old Klopp, who has long been courted by top European clubs, also coached Mainz 05 between 2001 and 2008.

Source: Reuters