Tired Rangnick quits as Schalke coach

Published: 22 Sep 2011 - 10:35:37

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Schalke 04 coach Ralf Rangnick on Thursday became the second German league coach this week to part company with his club after the 53-year-old cited fatigue syndrome as his reason to stand down.

After Hamburg sacked coach Michael Oenning on Monday, Rangnick has quit Schalke with immediate effect on his own terms after just six months in charge.

"After long and careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I need a break," said Rangnick on Schalke's web page.

"I found it incredibly hard to make a decision like this, but my current energy levels are not high enough to succeed and in particular to advance the team and the club.

"I am taking this step for the benefit of the team, who I wish every success for the rest of the season."

Rangnick steered Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals last season and to their German Cup final 5-0 win over second division Duisburg.

For Saturday's home Bundesliga game against Freiburg, assistant coaches Josef Eichkorn and Markus Gisdol have stepped in for the interim until a replacement is found.

Rangnick took over as Schalke boss on March 17 after the Royal Blues sacked Felix Magath, who is now coach of 2009 champions VfL Wolfsburg.

Rangnick is the second coach to leave his post in the German league this season after Oenning parted company with Hamburg, also after six months in charge.