Media: Aue part ways with Dotchev at the end of the season

Coach Pavel Dotchev is apparently on the verge of leaving third division soccer club FC Erzgebirge Aue. According to reports from "Bild" and "Tag24", the 59-year-old's contract, which expires at the end of the season, will not be extended. The decision is said to have been communicated to Dotchev a few days ago and was made regardless of the club's sporting performance. Aue are currently sixth, two points behind third place in the relegation places.

"The fact is that Pavel's contract expires in the summer. As soon as there is something official to announce, the club will make a statement," sporting director Matthias Heidrich told Bild. Dotchev has been back as coach in the Erzgebirge since the beginning of December 2022, his third spell in charge. Aue face Borussia Dortmund II on Sunday evening (7.30pm/Magentasport).

The development had been looming for some time. Not everyone in the club management agreed with Dotchev's public announcement before the start of the season that they wanted to be promoted but were not the favorites. The relationship between Heidrich and Dotchev is also considered strained.