Jan Schindelmeiser has resigned from his post as Hoffenheim¿s director of sport.
Director of sport resigns after four years
Jan Schindelmeiser has resigned from his post as Hoffenheim's director of sport.
Schindelmeiser, along with current manager Ralf Rangnick, arrived in the 2006/7 season as part of a fairytale story that saw the club rise from the third tier to temporarily topping the Bundesliga last season.
With the club finishing in 11th position this season following Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Stuttgart, Schindelmeiser appeared to have come to the decision during a sticky period midway through the campaign when the club were sliding towards the bottom.
"I informed Mr (Dietmar) Hopp of my decision several weeks ago," he told the club's official website.
"It was not an easy decision because I have been very happy here, but I think that after so many successful years now is the right time for a change.
"The potential for Hoffenheim becoming a really big club in the Bundesliga is excellent."
Magnificent
Hopp, the wealthy owner of the club who turned their fortunes around when he invested in the team in 1990 to turn them into the top flight outfit they are today, praised Schindelmeiser and thanked him for his time at the club.
"Together with Ralf Rangnick, he has worked magnificently for four years and played a major contribution to our club's rise from the regional league into the Bundesliga," he said.
"I regret Mr Schindelmeiser's departure a great deal, but I also understand his wish to start something new again after four years.
"We lose a real expert in the field and one of the architects of Hoffenheim's success."
