Markus Babbel and Rainer Widmayer dismissed - U23 manager Frank Kramer takes over as caretaker

In a Monday afternoon press conference, TSG sporting director Andreas Müller, along with the management, publicly voiced their decision. Frank Kramer will be in charge of the first team for the two fixtures (Hamburger SV and Borussia Dortmund) left before the winter break.

Andreas Müller: “After yesterday's game and after thorough consideration, the management and I have agreed to make a change. Our increasingly threatening league position and the accompanying poor form left us with no choice. I enjoyed working with Markus Babbel and Rainer Widmayer, even if it was only for a small amount of time. I got on well with the both of them off the field too. Frank Kramer is another football expert and we have every confidence in him.”

Frank Kramer: “This is a difficult situation for me too. I had formed a great relationship with Markus Babbel and Rainer Widmayer and had worked with them closely. Of course I wish I didn't have to jump in but I am confident about the difficult task ahead. In the few days left before the game against HSV the focus will be on making sure the players believe in their own abilities. I will do everything I can to make that happen.”