Bundesliga basement battlers Hannover 96 have announced the departure of head coach Thomas Schaaf, the 54-year-old leaving the club after just 98 days in charge.

Schaaf, who had previously managed at fellow Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt, took over the reigns at the HDI Arena over the winter break, hoping to lead the club away from relegation danger.

Schaaf only managed three points from 33

However, he only won one of his 11 games in charge, losing the other 10, seemingly leaving those above him with no choice but to relieve him of his duties on Monday. His final game in charge ended in a 3-0 defeat to Hamburger SV, the club's fifth loss in a row.

Schaff leaves them rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga table, 10 points off Frankfurt, the team immediately above them, with only six games of the league season left to play. 

The club's director, Martin Bader, did reserve some praise for the coach following the annoucement, citing that Schaaf "was always very focused", and that he and his team "exhausted all possibilities" to turn the situation around - it simply wasn't to be.

It does seem that the club are resigned to the idea that they will be relegated, Bader stating that those within the club are aware survival is now "only theoretically possible".

Stendel takes temporary charge

This idea may be evidenced by the fact that U19 Coach Daniel Stendel has been placed in temporary charge until the end of the season, Bader revealing that he wanted to end the season with "impetus"

It's certainly a chance for the youth coach to shine, although he won't be joined by Wolfgang Rolff and Matthias Honerbach, two member's of Schaaf's coaching team that were also let go.

Stendel, pictured in a press conference, will coach the team until May (photo: Bundesliga)
Stendel, pictured in a press conference, will coach the team until May (photo: Bundesliga)
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