Berlin: Schalke 04 on Sunday sacked coach Huub Stevens in the wake of their 3-1 home defeat to Freiburg which left them with just two points from a possible 18 in their last six Bundesliga games.
General manager Horst Heldt said the decision was taken on Saturday night and Stevens was informed on Sunday morning that he has been ‘sent on leave’ and relieved of his duties.
“The plan had been to continue with Huub Stevens during the winter break and talk about the future, but the board met last night and took the decision,” said Heldt with Schalke having dropped from second to seventh in the league.
“(Stevens) stayed 100 percent loyal and gave everything for the club.
“But it’s clear the Bundesliga is fundamentally important for us – regardless of our cup success.”
Former under-17 coach Jens Keller took training on Sunday morning and will be in charge for Tuesday’s German Cup last 16 match at home to Mainz and until the end of the season.
“Tuesday’s game is the most important thing now,” said Keller, whose previous Bundesliga experience as coach was two months at VfB Stuttgart at the end of 2010.
“We can then prepare for the second half of the season during the winter break.
“I must get to know the players. I have seen how they train, I will look at a few videos and then see how we approach the game against Mainz.”
Schalke chairman Clemens Toennies said it had not been an easy decision to sack Stevens.
“No one likes to dismiss a coach just before Christmas,” Toennies told German broadcaster Sport1.
“But I am firmly convinced that we have made the right decision. Stevens could no longer connect with the players.”
Heldt’s main task over the winter break is to extend the contracts of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and midfielder Lewis Holtby, who are both rumoured to be set to leave Schalke for England’s Premier League in early 2013.
“The problems are multi-layered and don’t just involve one thing,” explained Heldt.
“We expect that the players will stay professional.
“It can’t be used as an excuse by the players.
“We had a similar problem with Jefferson Farfan, but he has had a good season.”
Schalke – who will learn their Champions League Last 16 opponent on Thursday – are in free fall in the Bundesliga.
Their last Bundesliga win was back on November 10, since then they have earned just two draws and suffered four defeats with Schalke fans shouting “Stevens Out!” after Saturday’s home loss to Freiburg.
Having taken charge in September 2011 for his second stint at the club, 59-year-old Stevens had led the Royal Blues to their best league start in 41 years, until results fell away.
Captain Benedikt Hoewedes has admitted the team are having a tough time.
“It’s not exactly easy to play football here,” said the 24-year-old.
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