Rangnick exit explained

Speculation has been rife that the Brazilian midfielder's sale to Bayern Munich had been forced through despite Rangnick's objections, prompting the coach to quit after four and a half years at the helm. In that time he took the club from the third division to the top echelons of the Bundesliga.

Gustavo's sale was negotiated by Hopp and Hoffenheim's general manager Ernst Tanner before Christmas, with Rangnick having no idea that discussions had been in place.

"Rangnick felt as if he had been made out to be a liar (for denying negotiations had taken place)," Hopp told Bild.

"He asked himself whether it made any sense continuing as coach."

Rangnick himself explained his frustration at not being included in the sale process.

"I just gave my personal, honest opinion," he said. "I made it clear that I could not understand why I had not been informed of the negotiations earlier.

"I asked for a vote of confidence and suggested that we should both consider the future during the festive period."