Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Sascha Lewandowski found dead at 44

Lewandowski’s body was discovered in his apartment and the cause of death is still unclear.

He managed Leverkusen in two spells: from April 2012 to June 2013 and from April 2014 to July of the same year.

Most recently, Lewandowski managed Union Berlin from September 2015 to March 2016, leaving that post in March this year after only six months in charge due to burnout.

Lewandowski died on Wednesday, his former club Union Berlin said in a statement. No cause of death was given.

Lewandowski coached Leverkusen alongside former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia in the 2012/13 season.

He also served as interim boss at the club from April to July 2014.

Union president Dirk Zingler said on the club's official website: "We are deeply upset and unbelievably sad. Our deepest sympathies and our sincerest condolences go out to Sascha Lewandowski's family and relatives."

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller paid tribute to Lewandowski.

"We can scarcely believe that Sascha is dead," he said on the club website.

"He was a great man who brought all his strength and passion to his work."