Lucien Favre Announces Decision to Resign from Borussia Monchengladbach

Borussia Monchengladbach manager Lucien Favre has announced his intention to resign, bringing an end to one of the Bundesliga's best feel-good stories of the last decade. 

The Swiss manager, who guided the club from the relegation zone to the UEFA Champions League, made his intentions to step down clear on Sunday. DW Sports provided his statement:

"

"After careful consideration and intense analysis of the situation," Favre wrote. "I have come to the realization that the best decision in this situation is for me to step down from my position as head coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach."

[...]

"I was privileged to lead Borussia from near-relegation to the Champions League," Favre wrote in his statement. "There were a lot of unbelievable, exhilarating moments...The time has come to make a change. That's the best decision for both the club and the team. I no longer feel that I'm the perfect coach for Borussia Mönchengladbach."

"

The Foals have endured a nightmare start to the 2015-16 campaign, losing all five of their Bundesliga matches and the Champions League clash against Europa League winner Sevilla. With Manchester City and Juventus also drawn in Group D, their chances of progressing to the knockout stages already appear gone.

Favre took over as Foals manager in 2011 at a time when the team seemed destined for relegation. He did the impossible, securing a prolonged stay in the Bundesliga with a win over Vfl Bochum in a two-legged play-off. Monchengladbach then shocked everyone by finishing in fourth place the following season, which cemented Favre as one of the top managers in Germany.

Their success continued until the start of this season, when the squad suddenly collapsed. But despite their horrendous start to the season, the news still came as a surprise. Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney feels for the Swiss coach:

Stefan Bienkowski of STV Sport compared it to Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Borussia Dortmund last season:

It's yet another setback for the Foals, who at this point don't look as if they'll truly challenge any of the other squads in Group D of the Champions League. A change of manager could spark some momentum, however, and even if qualification for the knockout stages seems unlikely, one or two unexpected wins could throw the campaigns of City and Juventus upside down.

Favre will likely take some time off but will become an interesting option for clubs in need of a spark later this season. ESPN FC's Gabriele Marcotti sees him as a fixer, even comparing the 57-year-old to The Wolf from Pulp Fiction, and don't be shocked if a top team decides to give the Swiss manager a chance once January has passed.