Berlin (AFP) – German Bundesliga strugglers Hamburg on Sunday appointed Markus Gisdol as their new coach after earlier sacking Bruno Labbadia, for the second time.

The former European Cup winners released a statement to say the 47-year-old Gisdol had agreed a contract through to the end of the season.

Gisdol, who had previously been in charge at Hoffenheim, takes over a HSV side who lie third from bottom after collecting just one point in their opening five league games.

Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich, for whom Joshua Kimmich netted a late winner, was Hamburg’s fourth straight defeat and proved the final straw for Labbadia.

“This step is necessary in view of recent results,” said managing director Dietmar Beiersdorfer after the sacking of Labbadia.

“I am convinced that we have to now make a change to the coaching position in order to turn things round after a disappointing start to the season.”

Labbadia, 50, had previously been sacked by the club in 2010 after less than a season in charge but was brought back for a second spell in April 2015.

He was informed of his latest dismissal by telephone and used the club’s Facebook page to thank staff and fans.

“It was a crazy, intense time with many experiences that I will always remember,” wrote Labbadia.

“It means a lot to me to have been Hamburg’s coach and it’s a pity that we were not able to get the necessary results.

“I hope that the team keep up the brave performance from the game against Bayern to get back on the path to success.

“I would like to wish my successor all the best for the task.”

Labbadia was the second Bundesliga coach to be sacked in the space of a week after Werder Bremen parted company with Viktor Skripnik.

Gisdol’s first game in charge will be at Hertha Berlin next Saturday.