Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg have parted ways with their head coach Mark van Bommel on Sunday. The former Netherlands and FC Bayern Munich midfielder failed to meet the expectations by the club after a promising start into the season.

“Ultimately, there were more factors separating us than uniting us,” said VfL managing director Jörg Schmadtke in a club statement. “There was a lack of conviction in terms of being able to get out of the difficult situation we’re in and turning things around as quickly as possible, which led to us making the decision to end our working relationship. We wish Mark all the best in his personal and professional life.”

The 44 year old van Bommel said: “I’m surprised and disappointed by the decision because I’m certain that we would have managed to get back on track together. I hope the team manage to turn things around quickly.”

Wolfsburg have appointed their former assistant coach Michael Frontzeck as head coach on an interim basis. Assistant coach Vincent Heilmann will remain at VfL, but Kevin Hofland – another assistant – and video analyst Alex Abresh have parted company with the club.