Babbel takes reins at Hoffenheim

Published: 10 Feb 2012 - 17:46:47

Rss feed

Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim on Friday confirmed that former Hertha Berlin manager Markus Babbel has taken over the reins from just sacked Holger Stanislawski.

Former Bayern Munich and Liverpool star Babbel, 39, started out as a coach at Stuttgart before a spell with Hertha which ended in December when he was fired after falling out with officials having previously guided the capital club to promotion.

Babbel, who was on the Germany side which won Euro 96, is to sign a deal through to June 2014, Hoffenheim said.

He will be in the dugout for Saturday's visit to Werder Bremen.

"I shall try to get the team back on the rails - I wouldn't have accepted (the post) if I had not been convinced about it. One has to stress the team has its strong points," said Babbel.

Ironically, Babbel was fired by Hertha after a December draw with Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim fired Stanislawski, 42, following their midweek Cup elimination by second division Gruether Fuerth.

That loss left Hoffenheim with just won win in ten outings though they are still in the top half of the table - albeit just four points clear of fourth from bottom Hertha.