Striving Bundesliga side Schalke 04 has fired coach Frank Kramer following a 5-1 loss to Hoffenheim in the German Cup.
Schalke are 17th in the league standings on six points from 10 games following a run of four straight losses. Kramer took over Schalke in June after the club was promoted back to the Bundesliga under interim coach Mike Bueskens.
“After achieving promotion last season, our goal for the new campaign was to remain in the Bundesliga,” sporting director Rouven Schroeder said in a statement.
“Until recently, we were convinced that we could turn things around with the current coaching setup, but from our point of view, we’ve reached a point in time that we have to change.
“In the remaining five league games ahead of longer than usual World Cup break, we need to pick up points to put us in the best possible position for what is a hugely important second half of the season for the club.”
Schalke’s only league win came against bottom club Vfl Bochum in September before a 1-0 loss to local rivals Borussia Dortmund.
They next face Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
