Markus Babbel's position as Stuttgart manager is safe for the time being, confirmed sporting director Horst Heldt. "The Board of Management sat down together with the complete coaching team for a long time and together we analyzed the current situation," Heldt told a press conference. "During our talks, Markus Babbel and his team gave us the very clear impression that they are capable of mastering the crisis. "The trainer is not totally stumped - quite the opposite! They are full of hope and have shown us ways in which they plan to guide the team out of the current crisis." Babbel's post came under scrutiny as the former Germany defender has been struggling to keep the Bundesliga giants on an even keel so far this term. Stuttgart have lost their last five games in all competitions, which leaves them in 14th place in the league, in addition to their recent cup exit at the hands of minnows Greuther Furth.
