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Frontzeck resigns as Hannover coach

Davis VanopdorpDecember 21, 2015

Michael Frontzeck has ended his reign as Hannover 96 head coach after just eight months in charge, citing low confidence as the reason for leaving his post. Hannover hope to have a new manager before training resumes.

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Hannover 96 Michael Frontzeck
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/O. Spata

With Hannover 96 in the relegation zone, Michael Frontzeck has resigned from the head coaching position, the club announced on Monday.

"After careful consideration and many discussions, I came to the conclusion to end my work with 96," Frontzeck said in a statement released on Hannover's website. "Unity and confidence are just a basic requirement in our situation to work successfully. I currently do not feel this confidence anymore in this environment."

Frontzeck took over the coaching position from Tayfun Korkut back in April when the club was flirting with relegation last season, something they had avoided for the last 12 seasons. Hannover ultimately avoided the drop zone, going unbeaten in their last four matches and winning their last two. Frontzeck, however, was unable to keep Hannover's momentum going into this season, the club losing their first five Bundesliga matches.

Fußball - Co-Trainer Michael Frontzeck
Michael Frontzeck saved Hannover from relegation in April, but now the club is back in the drop zoneImage: Imago

"Last season we achieved something big together by avoiding relegation. That was only possible because we gathered all of our strengths, and our entire team and the training staff helped with their confidence. I wish Hannover 96, the team and the inspiring fans a successful second half of the season avoiding relegation."

Hannover have lost six of their last eight games, and sit in 17th place on 14 points in the Bundesliga table. Their 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich over the weekend was their third loss in a row, with Hannover unable to find a goal despite Ron-Robert Zieler's 10 saves.

Hannover do not start their winter training until January 4 of next year. Sporting director Martin Bader said on the Hannover website he would like to have Frontzeck's replacement appointed before then.