Babbel clinging on

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 by PA

Markus Babbel looks set to continue as Stuttgart coach for the time being at least despite a run of defeats.

The Bundesliga side lost their fifth game in a row in all competitions on Tuesday night as they were knocked out of the DFB Pokal 1-0 by second division Greuther Furth. But Babbel took training on Wednesday and appears to have received the backing of the club.

"The board members sat down for a long time with the whole coaching staff, and together we have analysed our current situation," sporting director Horst Heldt said on the club's official website.

He added: "Markus Babbel and his team gave us a very clear impression they are able to get out of the crisis.

"The coaches are not helpless. On the contrary, they are full of hope and have pointed out ways to us how, with the team, they want to get out of the crisis."

The run of results has piled the pressure on Babbel, who only took took over from Armin Veh in November last year.

Stuttgart have won just twice in 10 games in the league this term and only goal difference is keeping them out of the bottom three, while Tuesday's loss ended their hopes of cup success.

Babbel said after the defeat: "We allowed one chance through and the ball ended up in the back of the net. From all of the chances we had we couldn't make one of them count. It's as simple as that.

"In the cup it's not in the least bit interesting who plays the better football, it's all about who scores the decisive goal.

"We can't just shut up shop now though. I hate to lose. We must press on. It certainly won't get easier and I am responsible. I am still convinced of the ability of the team."