Schalke fires Tedesco as coach, Stevens returns to take over

Schalke has fired Domenico Tedesco as coach and brought back Huub Stevens to oversee its next game.

Schalke, which was routed 7-0 by Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, is without a win is seven Bundesliga games and has lost its last three. The 33-year-old Tedesco led the side to second place in his debut season last year but now the team is just four points off the relegation zone with nine rounds remaining.

It is Schalke's worst season since it was relegated from the Bundesliga in 1982-83.

Stevens, who led Schalke to the UEFA Cup title in 1997 and German Cup wins in 2001 and 2002, is back on an interim basis for his third stint. Voted "coach of the century" by Schalke fans, the 65-year-old will be assisted by former player Mike Bueskens. Bueskens played for Schalke under Stevens in the Dutch coach's first stint in charge.

Schalke sporting director Jochen Schneider says: "This decision was anything but easy because Domenico Tedesco is very highly valued by Schalke. Last season he was able to oversee a very positive sporting development, which reached its high point by finishing runner-up in the championship."

Schneider added: "However, we shouldn't misjudge that this season the bottom line is negative."

Schalke's poor season has already led to managing director Christian Heidel stepping down. Heidel, who took over in May 2016 took the blame for transfer dealings that failed to make the desired impact. He also appointed Tedesco.

Schalke next plays Leipzig at home on Saturday.