Stuttgart appoints Alexander Zorniger

Alexander Zorniger is set to take on the role of new Stuttgart head coach from this summer, in an effort to re-align the struggling Bundesliga side ahead of next season. Zorniger replaces Huub Stevens who coached the team to safety in the latter stages of this season.

The 47-year-old has worked before at Stuttgart in 2009 as an assistant coach, but has coached the second division team RB Leipzig for the last three years. He will receive a three year contract until June 332018. Andre Trulsen will be the assistant coach.

Stuttgart's sporting director Robin Dutt said that it wasn't crucial that Zorniger didn't have first division Bundesliga experience.

"With Huub Stevens, we saw that Bundesliga experience helps a coach, but there have been enough examples of coaches working here successfully, even if they are new to the league," Dutt said.

"Alexander Zorniger comes from here and he knows the way we want to play here. It just fits together well and that's why we wanted to have him."

New signings

The announcement came as the VfB board announced a raft of changes at the club, in front of journalists in Stutttgart this holiday Monday.

After another disappointing season, club bosses say they want to work on a more long-lasting plan for success which will involve better coordinating - and streamlining - of different parts of the organization.

From now on, Guido Buchwald will become the new main scout, while Günther Schäfer will become the team's new commercial manager. Both ex players played countless games for Stuttgart during their active careers.

A new sports psychologist - Philip Laux - will work with the first team too.

There will also be some new players joining the Stuttgart side next season, according Dutt. Midfield player Philip Heise will be the team's first summer signing, from second division club Heidenheim.