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Celtic Champions League rivals sack their manager after horror result

Sergej Jakirovic has been sacked by Dinamo Zagreb
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Dinamo Zagreb have sacked manager Sergej Jakirovic in the wake of their Champions League horror show.

Celtic's Euro rivals were demolished on Tuesday night as Bayern Munich romped to a staggering 9-2 triumph in Germany. It was a humiliating opening day result for the Croatian champions, who host Celts on December 10. And boss Jakirovic has paid the price with his job - despite leading the Croats to a league and cup double last season.

Zagreb currently sit third in the SuperSport HNL, a point behind leaders Rijeka and Hajduk Split after six games. However, after just over 12 months in charge, Jakirovic has been axed and Brendan Rodgers will come up against a different face at the Maksimir Stadium later this year.

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A club statement confirmed: "GNK Dinamo would like to inform the public that a mutual termination of the contract with the former coach of the Blues, Sergej Jakirovic, has been agreed upon. The first team will be led by former member of the professional staff, Sandro Perković, until the decision on a new long-term coaching solution is made.

"We thank Sergej Jakirović from the bottom of our hearts for everything he has given for our club and wish him the best of luck and success in his future career. We hereby appeal to the media and the public to be understanding towards Sergej Jakirović and his family and not to worsen an already stressful situation."

Dinamo president Velimir Zajec said: "First of all, I want to thank Sergej Jakirović for all the results he achieved. We had a pleasant cooperation, he left an impression on me of a quality person and I wish him the best of luck in his future career.

"The most important thing in these situations is to remain human, and to put Dinamo's interests first. It is now up to all of us to make a quality decision about a new coach at this difficult moment for Dinamo and to return to the winning ways."