Otto Rehhagel poised to become Hertha Berlin coach

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

BERLIN (AP)—Veteran coach Otto Rehhagel is poised to take over struggling Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, according to German media.

The dapd news agency said Friday that the 73-year-old Rehhagel has agreed to replace Michael Skibbe who was sacked Sunday after just five games in charge, all defeats.

Rehhagel’s signing will be announced by Hertha after Saturday’s home game against league leader Borussia Dortmund, various media outlets reported.

Bild newspaper said team manager Michael Preetz has informed the players, while local broadcaster rbb said he will be presented Sunday.

Hertha is two points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place, having returned to the Bundesliga this season after dropping to the second division for a year.

Skibbe had been brought in to replace Markus Babbel, who led to team to promotion but was sacked in December after a dispute with Preetz.

Rehhagel led Greece to the European Championship title in 2004, while he also coached Bayern Munich, Kaiserslautern and Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

He hasn’t worked since resigning as Greek coach in 2010. His last stint in the Bundesliga ended in 2000 with Kaiserslautern, which he sensationally coached to the title in 1998 having led the side to promotion the year before.

“Simply fantastic,” said Babbel, now with Hoffenheim, after being told Rehhagel would be taking over his former club. “I look forward to seeing him again.”