体坛英语新闻：Hannover coach Michael Frontzeck steps down

BERLIN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hannover's head coach Michal Frontzeck handed in his resignation out of the blue, the struggling Bundesliga club confirmed in an official statement on Monday.

Frontzeck stepped down with immediate effect due to the lack of confidence. "After careful consideration and many discussion I came to the conclusion to quit my job at Hannover. Closeness and trust are the basic requirements in order to work successfully, especially in our situation. I have not felt this trust currently in the sphere of Hannover," the coach said.

The 51-year-old former Germany international took the helm in April and helped Hannover to avoid relegation in the last season. However, with only seven victories from 24 official games the "Reds" slumped again into the relegation battle.

"Michael Frontzeck's decision deserves respect. Staying up in the league will always be associated with his name. Our task is now to find a new coach for the trainings start on January 4," Hannover's chairman Martin Bader said.

After losing 1-0 to front-runners Bayern Munich on Saturday, Hannover slipped on the fore last position of the standings. The "Reds" reaped only four wins and two draw but eleven defeats in 17 Bundesliga encounters.