Mainz sack coach Kasper Hjulmand

Mainz and coach Kasper Hjulmand parted company with immediate effect due to continuing weak performances, the club confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.

Mainz sacked Hjulmand, his assistants Keld Bordingaard and Flemming Pedersen, after last weekend's 4-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund, the seventh of the season. German media already speculated since days about the pending dismissal of Hjulmand.

The 42-year-old Dane joined Mainz in May 2014 from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland to put pen to paper on a three-year deal. Under Hjulmand's guidance, Mainz started with two setbacks as they were knocked out from the UEFA Europa League playoffs and German Cup.

Mainz returned to winning ways in the Bundesliga with an unbeaten streak of eight games to jump on the third place. However, things changed when Mainz craved out just one win out of the last 13 matches to slump onto the 14th position.

"Those, who know our philosophy and the way we work, know how difficult this decision was for us. Kaspar Hjulmand is a soccer expert, who can, with no doubt, evolve and develop teams. However, many different factors led to the negative trend with only one win from thirteen games to slip into the relegation battle," Mainz manager Christian Heidel said.

As a consequence, the "Nullfuenfer" appointed their U-23 coach Martin Schmidt to take the helm alongside of former Mainz professional Bo Svensson.

"We need, in our sporting situation, apart from tactical discipline, passion, fighting spirit, aggressiveness and determination. Concerning this, we rely on Martin Schmidt, who knows the club, the team and our style of play for almost five years."

Schmidt said:" This is of course a big step for me as I am in charge of a top-flight team. There is a lot to do and we have no time to waste. As a coach I stand for attacking football, pressure, ball possession and pace."

Mainz encounter Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hessian derby in the 22nd round of Bundesliga on Saturday. Endi