Anfang and his assistant have both left their roles
Werder Bremen head coach Markus Anfang has stepped down from his position amid an investigation by German authorities into his alleged use of a forged Covid-19 vaccination document.
Bremen – a German second division side – stated that Anfang had denied using a fake vaccination certificate on Thursday. However, they later announced that he and assistant coach Florian Junge had left their roles with immediate effect.
A club statement said: “The reason for the decision is the public prosecutors’ investigations into the two coaches and the ensuing unrest surrounding the club.”
On Friday, Anfang released a statement via the club where he insisted that he had been vaccinated twice at an official vaccination centre, adding that he hoped the issue would be “cleared up quickly”.
ℹ️ Head coach Markus #Anfang and assistant coach Florian #Junge have stepped down from their posts at SV #Werder Bremen ➡️ https://t.co/cxfwobdP90 pic.twitter.com/x82GcvAGHu
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) November 20, 2021
Yet, just one day later, the 47-year-old – who took charge of the club in June following their relegation from the Bundesliga – suggested that it had been his choice to resign.
“Because of the extreme stress caused to the club, the team, my family and myself, I have decided to immediately step down from my role as head coach of Werder Bremen,” Anfang said.
“I requested that the club management dissolve my contract, a request they have granted. I wish Werder all the success in the world both for today’s game against Schalke and for the future.”
The River Islanders said that assistant coach Danjiel Zenkovic would be taking charge of Saturday’s fixture against Schalke, with the team sitting eighth in the table after 13 games.
“With this step, Markus and Florian have taken responsibility and aim to end the unrest that has surrounded the club in the last days,” Werder sporting director Frank Baumann said.
“We respect their decision and will now begin the search for a new head coach.”
Werder have won five of their opening 13 fixtures, drawing four and losing four – accumulating 19 points so far this season.
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