Bayer Leverkusen fires coach Roger Schmidt after Bundesliga defeat

Bayer Leverkusen announced today the dismissal of their coach, Roger Schmidt, following Saturday's 6-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

The heavy loss has complicated the team's situation in terms of qualifying for European competitions next season, as they languish in mid-table with 30 points and 11 games remaining in the championship.

Leverkusen is also in a difficult position in the UEFA Champions League, having lost 4-2 at home to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Round of 16.

"The decision was painful but inevitable," said the club's CEO, Michael Schade, in a statement. The name of Schmidt's successor has not been announced yet.

Schmidt joined Leverkusen from Red Bull Salzburg at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season and led the team to the Champions League on two occasions.