Röber relinquishes Dortmund duties

Jürgen Röber has parted company with BV Borussia Dortmund after less than four months at the helm of the Ruhr giants following the side's sixth defeat in seven games on Saturday, which left them just a point above the relegation zone.

'Difficult situation'
The 53-year-old was brought in to replace Dutchman Bert van Marwijk during the winter break and the side have been in freefall ever since. A 3-2 victory against reigning Bundesliga champions FC Bayern München promised much but Dortmund have picked up just three points in their past seven matches, culminating in the weekend defeat by local rivals VfL Bochum 1848 which prompted Röber's resignation. "In this difficult situation it is not about me, but the future of the club," said the former Bundesliga star. "This is why I offered to step down.

'Serious situation'
"Watching the Bochum defeat I learned that some of this team have not really grasped just how serious the situation is." Eighth when Röber took over as coach, Dortmund now lie 13th and are just a point ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt in the third relegation spot and the club are now in real danger of dropping down to the second flight for the first time in over 30 years.