Prinzen tasked with keeping Nürnberg afloat

1. FC Nürnberg have tasked reserve-team coach Roger Prinzen with preserving their top-flight status after dismissing Gertjan Verbeek just six months into his contract.

The Dutch tactician departs after overseeing a sequence of eight defeats from the last nine games, leaving Nürnberg second from bottom in the Bundesliga, five points adrift of safety. "The decision was not an easy one for us; Gertjan has always worked meticulously but staying in the league has to be the priority," said sporting director Martin Bader. "We are convinced we can stay up having made this decision."

Should Prinzen fail to steer Nürnberg clear of the bottom three, a 16th-placed finish would set up a relegation play-off. "I don't want to speak about staying up or going down," said the 45-year-old. "Everyone thinks we are already down but I firmly believe we'll stay up. I know what the team is capable of and we'll show a positive attitude."

Prinzen must negotiate away fixtures at 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Schalke 04 either side of a home meeting with Hannover 96 before learning his side's fate.