Monchengladbach dismiss Frontzeck

Bottom-placed Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach have sacked manager Michael Frontzeck with immediate effect.

Borussia slumped to their 14th loss of the season on Saturday, falling 3-1 at St Pauli to remain stranded at the foot of the league table and seven points shy of escaping the relegation places.

The loss came one week after a humiliating 3-2 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Stuttgart, despite the hosts leading 2-0 at the break.

Sporting director Max Eberl said Frontzeck’s position had become untenable.

“Following the two defeats against our closest competitors Stuttgart and St. Pauli we had to reassess the situation. It was a very difficult decision,” Eberl said.

Vice-president Rainer Bonhof added: “We had all hoped that we could achieve our collective goals with Michael Frontzeck, but in light of recent results we decided to change our coach.”

Frontzeck took over in July 2009 and was subsequently awarded a contract extension until 2013 prior to the beginning of this season.

But the outgoing coach holds no grudges over his departure, insisting that the club were within their rights to sack him after leading Borussia to eight losses in their past 10 games.

“Of course it’s hugely disappointing, but I can see why the club felt it was their only option,” Frontzeck said.