For the 1999–2000 season, Gerland was the manager of Arminia Bielefeld, Gerlnd made his debut for the club on 7 August 1999 in a 2–0 win against Dynamo Berlin in the second round of the German Cup. Arminia Bielefeld finished the 1999–2000 season in 17th place and were relegated at the end of the season. Arminia Bielefeld started the 2000–01 season with five consecutive wins. However, Arminia Bielefeld failed to win another match under Gerland and Gerland left on 16 October 2000. He finished with a record of 14 wins, 11 draws, and 21 losses.