Official: Bielefeld sack Kramer
Arminia Bielefeld have confirmed reports that Frank Kramer has been sacked as head coach.
Arminia Bielefeld have officially parted company with head coach Frank Kramer and assistant coach Ilia Gruev.
Current goalkeeping coach Marco Kostmann has been put in charge as head coach with immediate effect.
He will be assisted by Stefan Kleineheismann and Sebastian Hille as well as Michael Henke, who joins the team of assistant coaches.
"Frank Kramer managed to keep the club in the league last year. No one will take this success away from him. After a bumpy start to the season, we got out of the crisis in a very successful way, but we've been unable to keep the good performances going lately," said Arminia sporting director Samir Arabi.
"After many intensive discussions and a detailed analysis of the current situation, we are no longer convinced that we can return to that form in the existing constellation. We would like to give the team an impetus to stay in the Bundesliga. Finally, we would like to thank Frank for the work he has done and wish him only the best for his private and professional future."
Kramer commented:
"I would like to thank the players, the staff, the managing directors and committee members, the fans and all Arminians for the trusting and intensive cooperation. It has been a pleasure. We managed to stay in the league last season from a similar situation, and I firmly believe that Arminia will achieve this great goal this time as well. I believe in the group and keep my fingers crossed for Arminia."
With four games left to play this season, Bielefeld sit 17th, two points behind Stuttgart in the relegation play-off spot.