Hertha Berlin sack Markus Babbel

German club Hertha Berlin have decided to sack head coach Markus Babbel with immediate effect.

The former Liverpool defender's contract was due to expire at the end of the season and he had recently revealed that he had no intention of extending his deal.

"On Sunday, December 18, Hertha BSC relieved head coach Markus Babbel of his duties with immediate effect. The decision will be further explained at a press conference," an official statement read.

Babbel, who took over Berlin in 2010, leaves the club in 11th position in the Bundesliga table.