Bayer Leverkusen named Tayfun Korkut as their head coach until the end 
of the season on Monday, with the former Hanover 96 boss succeeding 
Roger Schmidt, who was sacked after Saturday's 6-2 demolition by 
Borussia Dortmund.
The 42-year-old former Turkey international, who coached Hanover from 
early 2014 to 2015, was more recently coach of second-tier 
Kaiserslautern until December.
"I am confident we can finish the season as Leverkusen had imagined it,"
 Korkut told reporters. "I am happy to take on this task and work with 
such a talented team."
Leverkusen have managed just three wins in their last nine league games 
in an erratic campaign, and they are 13 points away from the third place
 that leads to the Champions League group stage.
They travel to Atletico Madrid on March 15 for the return leg of their 
Champions League round-of-16 match after a 4-2 loss at home in the first
 leg last month.
"We can still clinch a European spot, that's achievable. I am optimistic
 with our quality we can get back on track," said Leverkusen sports 
director Rudi Voeller, who said a contract extension was also possible 
for Korkut.
"This is a chance for him and for us. I know he is extremely motivated 
and ready to go. Everything is possible when we talk in the coming 
weeks, months or after the end of the season," Voeller said.
Leverkusen also suffered an ignominious German Cup second-round exit at the hands of third-tier club Lotte this season.
 
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