Norwegian Solbakken, yet to take charge of a competitive match since joining the club in June, acknowledged the decision could stir up discontent less than two weeks before the start of the Bundesliga season.
"I can understand the reactions this decision will provoke and I can understand the disappointment of some fans," the coach told reporters.
"But I ask the fans to understand my decision is for the benefit of the whole team. Pedro Geromel will as captain exemplify the new culture of the team and embody our new overall sporting concept," Solbakken added.
"In my conversations with him, Lukas has expressed his disappointment but at the same time respected and understood the reasons for my decision."
LATEST ARTICLES
