Veh takes blame as he leaves Stuttgart

Armin Veh has stepped down as VfB Stuttgart coach after a 1-0 defeat against FC Augsburg on Sunday left them bottom of the Bundesliga.

"Last night Armin Veh informed us about his decision in a personal talk," Stuttgart president Bernd Wahler said. "He is convinced that a change of coach is necessary to get back on track. We respect his decision, even though we were convinced by him and his work even after last night's game."

Veh, 53, left Eintracht Frankfurth last summer and then returned to the club where he won a surprise 2006/07 Bundesliga title. He also became sporting director in September, a role he has relinquished. "This step has not come easy for me, as the club and team are close to my heart," Veh said.

"In the end I had to do this, because I am convinced this is the right step. The team is better than their place in the table, nine points from 12 games are simply not enough. And I am responsible for that. We and I were also lacking that little bit of luck."