Stuttgart dismiss Veh, Babbel takes over

VfB Stuttgart announced Sunday they have sacked coach Armin Veh in the wake of their 4-1 Bundesliga defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday with reserves coach Markus Babbel replacing him.

Veh took over the reigns at Stuttgart in February 2006 and the pinnacle of his time in charge was when his team won the Bundesliga title in May 2007.

But he could not sustain the success and Stuttgart finished sixth in the league last season while Saturday's hammering by Wolfsburg on Saturday was their fourth away defeat this term to leave them mid-table.

“There are great, but also difficult hours in football and after discussions with coach Armin Veh last night, we came to the decision we need a change,” said VfB president Erwin Staudt on the club website.

“Armin Veh and assistant coach Alfons Higl have been released.

“This was a difficult decision, because we are grateful for what they have done for the club over the last three years.

“I spoke to the team this morning and made it clear that everyone must now work to their full potential.

“The leaving of Armin Veh does not create an excuse for the players.

“I expect each and everyone of them will concentrate on the task in hand.”

In Veh's absence, ex-Germany defender and Euro '96 winner Babbel is promoted from coach of Stuttgart's reserves to become head coach at VfB with Rainer Widmayer as trainer.

“We hope that they will bring success back to VfB,” added Staudt.