[Oliver_Kahn]

Former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has turned down the chance to manage Hamburg, as the club had already agreed a deal with Roda JC boss Huub Stevens.

"Felix Magath telephoned me this morning to let me know of his decision not to take the job," revealed Dietmar Beiersdorfer, the Hamburg sporting director. "I can't say any more at this moment."

The 53-year-old was sacked as manager of Bayern on Wednesday morning, though was already in talks with Hamburg on Thursday, who had relieved Thomas Doll of his duties the previous evening.

However, when it emerged that the North German outfit had previously agreed a deal with another coach, Magath withdrew from negotiations.

"Before HSV [Hamburg] started talks with me on Thursday, they had already agreed a deal with another coach. My professional morals dictated to me not to take the job away from my colleague," Magath told the Hamburger Abendblatt.

The North German club were already said to have agreed that Stevens would take control, should Doll be sacked.

Stevens has experience of coaching in the Bundesliga, where he was was in charge at Schalke for five seasons, leading them to UEFA Cup glory in 1997, as well as Hertha Berlin and Cologne.

"He is the right man, and will save Hamburg from relegation," said Magath of the Dutchman.

Magath rejects Hamburg - Football - Eurosport