<
>

Mehmet Durakovic takes over at Perak after Karl Heinz-Weigang exit

Former Australia international Mehmet Durakovic has been appointed Perak coach after Karl Heinz-Weigang officially left the silver state side on Wednesday, leaving many fans shocked by his exit.

Durakovic's appointment comes after Weigang led the Bos Gaurus to a stunning 2-1 win over Johor Darul Ta'zim in the Malaysia Super League last Saturday.

The victory at a full-house Perak Stadium ended the reigning champions 25-match MSL unbeaten run and lifted Perak to equal second, only a point behind leaders Kedah.

"We have decided to hire Mehmet after analising a few candidates," read an official statement from the club.

"Mehmet has won the Malaysia Cup with Selangor in 2015, and he has vast experiences in coaching and management for various teams in Australia. We hope his appointment will result in a quality team that is technically adept to reach our target for the 2017 season."

Former Melbourne Victory coach Durakovic, who guided Selangor to second in the 2014 and 2015 MSL, will get straight down to business, starting with the away clash against Felda United on Saturday.

Perak did pay tribute to their outgoing German coach, who returned to the club for the third time in 2016 to save them from relegation.

"Perak FA has the highest appreciation for Weigang, whose contribution and effort to the club has been immense earning him a legendary status here. This decision was made after both parties had a long discussion."

81-year-old Weigang, who guided Perak to two Malaysia Cup trophies in 1998 and 2000, was seen carrying his own bag as he left the team hotel on Wednesday in a picture posted on social media that triggered plenty of emotions amongst the fans.