Schmidt steps down as Wolfsburg coach

Berlin Feb 20 (IANS) Martin Schmidt has resigned as VfL Wolfsburg chief coach in the wake of the side s 1-2 defeat at home to Bayern Munich. Wolfsburg have won just five of 22 matches since Schmidt took the helm last September.

Wolfsburg directors accepted the Swiss coach s resignation with some reluctance the German football club announced reports Efe.

"Internally we were all of the firm belief that we would turn things around together " Wolfsburg managing director Tim Schumacher said.

"That s why this move from Martin Schmidt came to us as a surprise that we hadn t predicted especially as we can t fully comprehend his motives."

"We thank Martin Schmidt for his work and wish him all the best both in his career and private life " Schumacher added.

Wolfsburg hold the 14th spot in the Bundesliga table just seven points clear of the relegation zone with 11 games to go.

--IANS
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