BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - Bernd Storck will coach the national team for its remaining four qualifying matches for the 2016 European Championship, the Hungarian Football Federation said Monday.
The German’s appointment comes after Hertha Berlin told the Hungarian federation it would no longer allow Pal Dardai to split his coaching duties.
Dardai became Hungary’s coach in September while also remaining head of Hertha’s youth teams. In February, however, he was named Hertha’s interim coach, signing a long-term contract in May after helping the team to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
Storck had a 2-9 record as head coach of Kazakhstan in 2008-2010 and was named sports director of the Hungarian federation in March.
Storck also coached Hungary’s under-20 team at the recent World Cup in New Zealand. Despite losing three of four matches, the team had close defeats to Serbia and Brazil, later champion and runner-up, respectively.
“The German professional demonstrated at the U20 World Cup … that the German football culture and professional know-how can mean serious help for Hungarian football,” federation president Sandor Csanyi said.
Hungary has a good chance of qualifying for a major international tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Hungary is third with 11 points after six matches in Group F and hosts group leader Romania on Sept. 4.
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