Management duo leave Duisburg

FCR 2001 Duisburg, the main German title rivals to UEFA Women's Cup semi-finalists 1. FFC Frankfurt, have announced the departure of coach Thomas Obliers and assistant Patrick Jetten just days before the league season resumes.

Management changes
Duisburg, aiming to earn a European debut by winning their first championship since 2000, are five points behind Frankfurt with two games in hand, but Obliers and Jetten decided they did not wish to remain due to the planned appointment of a sporting director. Obliers said: "A trusting relationship with the board is no longer possible. I have no problem with a sporting director in principle, but the problem was the way the position was being implemented."

Duo take charge
Players Inka Grings and Sonja Fuss have taken caretaker charge, beginning on Sunday when Duisburg visit VfL Wolfsburg followed by a midweek match against SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and the pivotal trip to Frankfurt the weekend after. Frankfurt, who meet ASD CF Bardolino Verona in the UEFA Women's Cup semi-finals, go to Hamburger SV on Sunday as they continue their bid to defend the Frauen-Bundesliga title and take the crown for the sixth time in eight seasons.