...Frank Neubarth at Schalke. With rank 6 and especially a point average way below expectations, Neubarth got into criticism. He didn't have the support of the fans lately. Also key players like Frank Rost, Tomasz Waldoch, Tomasz Hajto and Marc Wilmots openly criticised him. GM Assauer supported Neubarth until last weekend, but now he saw that it makes no sense anymore. Assauer moved up Marc Wilmots to the coaching position, who is playing his last season. He wanted to give Wilmots a contract until 2004, but Wilmots already announced to become politician some months ago - he is having a secure spot on the list of some liberal party in Belgium for the nationwide elections later this year. As successors 2003/04 some names were heard: Hans Meyer and Klaus Toppmöller. I doubt that Meyer will return to the business, but Toppi/Assauer could be a nice combination. On a side note, Schalke got the permit to host the Champions League Final 2004 in the Arena AufSchalke.
I'll be shocked if Klaus Augenthaler is back at Nurnberg next year. Toppi would be great at Schalke. I hope he gets the job.
Berlin is a bit shocked about the choice as they want the 2005 CL Final. But after rewarding Schalke with the 2004 Final, this is very unlikely to happen. Motown_Mike: I think Augenthaler stays. Actually he was more than fired after the 0-3 home loss against Berlin (the President announced it), but then the fans celebrated Augenthaler after the game and already before protested against a possible firing ("If Auge leaves, we'll also leave"). Within minutes the President changed his attitude and even wanted to extend the contract. This President is crazy, he can change his opinion to the other direction again within seconds, but at the moment I think Augenthaler would even stay in case of relegation.