Huddersfield Town have announced the departure of manager David Wagner by mutual consent, with the club bottom of the English Premier League.
Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle insists he had no intention of sacking Wagner this season, but the coach "came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management".
The Terriers sit bottom of the Premier League after Saturday's goalless draw at Cardiff halted a club record nine straight defeats.
"David Wagner has departed his role as head coach of Huddersfield Town by mutual consent," read a club statement.
"The 47-year-old leaves Town after detailed discussions with the board of directors, with both parties agreeing this is the correct move for the future of the club."
Wagner, who signed a new three-year deal in May last year, led the club into the top tier from the Championship and kept them up last season.
"I'd like to begin by thanking David for all he has achieved at Huddersfield Town over the last three-and-a-half years," Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle said.
"Under his stewardship, we've achieved things on the football pitch that surpass anything in modern memory, and that have gone well beyond my wildest expectations as chairman and as a fan...
"As I had said previously, I had no intention of sacking David this season.
"Subsequently David, being the great man he is, came to us and made it clear that he needs a break from the rigours of football management."
Hoyle confirmed under-23s coach Mark Hudson will take charge for Sunday's league game against champions Manchester City.
Wagner was unknown in England when he replaced Chris Powell in November 2015 after leaving his role as head coach of Borussia Dortmund reserves.
He steered the Terriers away from relegation trouble and then in his first full season led them to an unlikely promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
Huddersfield were one of the favourites for relegation in their first Premier League campaign but Wagner guided the team to safety with a 16th-placed finish.
This season has proven more difficult, with the Terriers only managing wins over Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers in 22 league matches to be eight points adrift of safety.
PA
