体坛英语新闻：Huub Stevens resigns as Hoffenheim head coach

BERLIN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Huub Stevens has announced his resignation as Hoffenheim coach with immediate effect, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 62-year-old Dutch coach, whose contract was stipulated until the end of the season, has unexpectedly resigned due to heart problems.

"Hoffenheim' s club doctor Thomas Froehlich diagnosed a cardiac irregularity. He subsequently referred me to a specialist who confirmed the previous diagnosis. It may well be that I have to undergo a surgery soon. Under these circumstances I cannot help the club in the relegation battle," Steven said in a press conference.

Hoffenheim' s director of professional soccer Alexander Rosen said: "Huub Stevens resignation came as a surprise but his decision is absolutely understandable. We want to thank him for his sincerity and wish him all the best."

It looks like Hoffenheim was Stevens' last station as a coach. He was asked if this might be the end of his career and the head coach replied: "I think so."

After the dismissal of former coach Markus Gisdol in October 2015, Stevens took over with the task to lead 17th paced Hoffenheim out of the relegation zone.

However, things went other than expected under the guidance of the Dutchman, as the "TSG" still occupy the 17th place, a direct relegation spot, after reaping only one win in ten games.

The "Kraichgauer" face 16th placed Bremen for the bottom clash in the 21st round of Bundesliga on Saturday. For now, Stevens' assistants Alfred Schreuder and Armin Reutershahn will coach the team.

Hoffenheim is forced to clinch points in the next games as they already sit five points adrift of a relegation play-off spot, and seven points to safety.