Sascha Lewandowski changes Bayer Leverkusen role

Sascha Lewandowski will step down from his role as co-coach of Bayer Leverkusen and take charge of the club's youth team this summer.

The 41-year-old has been sharing the responsibilities of the first team with Sami Hyypia since April 2012.

"I'm happy to have helped over the last 14 months after coming in alongside Sami Hyypia at a difficult time," Bundesliga.com quotes him as saying.

"Now we've got a team that functions well, has great development potential and plays good, effective football.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make because it means leaving behind all the work we've put in as a team and the challenge of playing in the Champions League, but at the same time I'm looking forward to the new job."

Lewandowski's contract as Bayer's youth team coach will run until June 30, 2016.