Andreas Müller new sporting director at Hoffenheim

Markus Babbel took up the role at request of the shareholders, following Ernst Tanner's departure in March. “I enjoyed doing it, but I noticed that the additional load was too much and my work as manager is more important. Therefore, at the start of the season I pushed for the search of a new sporting director. I'm delighted that the club can present such an outstanding candidate as Andreas Müller”, explained Babbel.

TSG chief executive Alexander Waldi, who worked alongside Babbel and the shareholders in the search for a new sporting director: “We are convinced of Andreas Müller's beliefs. We feel that he is the right person to take a key role in providing TSG with more stability. We give our thanks to Markus Babbel for the dedication he brought to the position. We are certain that he will bring the team out of this difficult situation we currently find ourselves in.”

Andreas Müller was a player with VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Schalke 04, scoring 32 goals in 338 Bundesliga appearances. His greatest achievement was a UEFA Cup win with Schalke in 1997, along with winning the German league title with VfB in 1984. After his playing career, he was part of the management set up with FC Schalke 04, taking over the lead role after Rudi Assauer's departure in 2006. He remained there until 2009, before becoming an associate with football consultancy company GoalSky AG.