Cyprus champion APOEL parts ways with German coach

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — APOEL parted ways with coach Thomas Doll on Monday, eight months after the German took over at the Cypriot club.

APOEL said in a statement that Doll's departure was mutually agreed. It comes two days after the defending champion's first loss in the Cypriot league to Olympiakos Nicosia.

APOEL said Doll took over at a “difficult period” but still managed to help the team achieve its goal of joining the group stage of the Europa League and advancing to the competition's round of 32.

Doll had often come under fire by fans for what they saw as APOEL's lackluster and erratic play, especially against weaker opponents.

Doll was the team's 12th coach in four-and-a-half years.

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