Former German international Babbel is new Wanderers coach
SYDNEY (AP) - The A-League's Western Sydney Wanderers have named former German international Markus Babbel as their new coach, replacing the sacked Josep Gombau.
The ex-Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender arrives in Australia after successful stints with German sides Hertha Berlin, Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart. Babbel, capped 51 times for Germany, is on a three-year contract with the Wanderers.
Most recently, the 45-year-old Babbel managed Socceroos and former Wanderers striker Tomi Juric at Swiss side FC Luzern.
His best finish over three years with Luzern was third, but Babbel also led Hertha to Bundesliga promotion and qualified Stuttgart for the Champions League.
The Wanderers finished the 2017-18 season in seventh place, two points out of a playoff spot, and fired Gombau. They had eight wins, nine draws and 10 losses on the season.