Babbel stays Stuttgart coach after crisis meeting

Markus Babbel will remain as Stuttgart's coach after the club held a crisis meeting on Wednesday in the wake of the Bundesliga side's five consecutive defeats and German Cup exit.

Stuttgart's bosses met in the aftermath of their side's cup exit on Tuesday night at second division Gruether Fuerth where they suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat.

Babbel took training on Wednesday afternoon after meeting with his bosses and director of sport Horst Heldt said the 37-year-old will remain in charge with his side 14th in the league table.

"We looked at the overall situation and the entire executive committee made the decision: we will continue to hold onto this team," said Heldt.

"We are convinced that the club will find their way out with this team.

"Markus Babbel has given the impression that he can do it."

VfB president Erwin Staudt, financial director Ulrich Ruf and Heldt all met face-to-face with Babbel to discuss the situation.

But with Bayern Munich the guests at Stuttgart on Saturday, a victory over the German giants would really help Babbel's cause.

Rumours have already started circulating in the German media about Babbel's possible replacement with ex-Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann mentioned by Bild.