Hamburg hires Markus Gisdol as coach

Markus Gisdol was in charge of Bundesliga rival Hoffenheim from April 2012 to October 2015. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Hamburger SV has hired Markus Gisdol as coach, replacing Bruno Labbadia.

Labbadia was fired Sunday following a poor start to the season, with only one point from the opening five matches.

Gisdol says "we want to start by taking small steps forward."

Gisdol was in charge of Bundesliga rival Hoffenheim from April 2012 to October 2015. He was fired after a 1-0 loss to Hamburg.

Hamburg says Gisdol signed a contract until the end of the season "at his own wish."

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