Rangnick calls time on Schalke
Friday, December 9, 2005
Article summary
Ralf Rangnick has said he will stand down as FC Schalke 04 coach at the end of the season after failing to lead his side into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Article body
Difficult spell
Rangnick received criticism earlier in the campaign after Schalke bowed out of the German Cup with a 6-0 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt, and some were less than impressed with their league form. The 'Royal Blues' are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, ten points behind leaders FC Bayern München.
Final straw
However, the final straw for the 47-year-old was the leaking to the press of stories concerning disagreements with general manager Rudi Assauer. "The main reason for my decision is that details have been published in the media in recent weeks and months that do not belong there," he explained. "I had no other option."
Müller shocked
Director of football Andreas Müller was shocked at the decision, saying: "We have had long conversations with him but we could not persuade him to change his mind. We had a similar situation with Huub Stevens four years ago and it worked out fine. I do not see any problem if everybody acts professionally."
'All that matters'
Rangnick's contract was due to expire at the end of the season, and the club will now be looking for a new coach to start next summer. "We have performed excellently in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League of late," said Rangnick. "All that matters for me is the success of the team."
