Lothar Matthaus has been sacked as coach of Red Bull Salzburg to end tensions between the German and Salzburg’s director of football Giovanni Trapattoni.
Matthaus coached the side, formerly known as Austria Salzburg, to the league title last season working under Italian coach Trapattoni, but tensions between the pair have simmered throughout the season.
“The board have unanimously decided to part company with coach Lothar Matthaus with immediate effect,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“Differences of philosophy meant that a good working relationship would not be sustainable in the long-term.”
Matthaus met with Salzburg’s owner Dietrich Mateschitz on Tuesday to terminate his contract.
“I accept the decision,” said Matthaus, who formerly coached the Hungarian national team.
“There was a difference in opinion over footballing matters and for Red Bull it is better if we go our seperate ways, I don’t want to endanger the team’s chances.”
