Ex-Red Babbel given Stuttgart job

Babbel spent four years at Anfield

Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has been appointed Stuttgart team manager after the German club sacked title-winning coach Armin Veh.

Stuttgart won the Bundesliga in 2007, but Veh paid the price for the club's mixed start to the season and was sacked after a 4-1 loss to Wolfsburg.

"It was a huge, but joyful surprise to find out I am coach," said Babbel, 36.

He was at Anfield between 1999 and 2003, but was out for over a year as he recovered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

"It is a difficult phase at the same time, but the team has potential," added Babbel, who retired in 2007, before becoming Stuttgart's assistant manager, working with the reserves side.

"It is now my job to work to the team's strengths, but it will not be an easy task."

In his new role Babbel will have the experienced Rainer Widmayer alongside him as coach.

"I still need to fill out some forms and send them away for my coaching diploma," said Babbel.

"It is something I have to do as I see my future in this business. I have already learned so much from Armin Veh and I will work closely with Rainer."

Babbel ended his playing career with Stuttgart and as well as Liverpool also played for Bayern Munich.

He was part of Germany's winning team at Euro 96.