Stuttgart FC

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Babbel explains skipper snub

03 Dec 2009 - 07:29:48

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Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel has urged Thomas Hitzlsperger not to be disappointed despite stripping the midfielder of the club captaincy.

Under-pressure coach Babbel has handed the armband to France defender Matthieu Delpierre following the Mercedes-Benz Arena side's disappointing form during the first half of the Bundesliga season.

"We're in a very difficult situation and we'll only get through it if we pull together," explained Babbel.

"He's (Hitzlsperger) not performing as well as he could be or indeed as well as he expects from himself.

"That's why I've decided to take the captaincy away from him - so that he can concentrate on helping the club out of the current situation.

"I need Hitzlsperger on the pitch. He needs to focus on his own game and reach his best form.

"I won't accept anyone who says we're trying to make a scapegoat out of him."