Coach Rangnick quits Schalke position citing 'fatigue'

Ralf Rangnick has quit his job as Schalke coach after just six months in the position.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick has quit his position citing fatigue
• Rangnick had been in charge for just six months after replacing Felix Magath
• The 53-year-old becomes the second Bundesliga coach to lose his job this season
• Hamburg sacked Michael Oenning earlier this week after a poor start to the season

(CNN) -- Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick has quit the German Bundesliga club after just six months in charge, citing fatigue syndrome as the reason for his decision.
The 53-year-old Rangnick took over from Felix Magath on March 17, and steered the club to the Champions League semifinals last season, before then winning the German Cup courtesy of a 5-0 thrashing of second division side Duisburg in the final.
Rangnick issued a statement on Schalke's official website, saying: After long and careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that I need a break.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to take but my current energy levels are not enough to be successful or drive forward the footballing development of the team and the club."

This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to take but my current energy levels are not enough to be successful
Ralf Rangnick

He added: "I am therefore taking this step also in the interest of my team, whom I wish every success for the rest of the season."
Speaking about Rangnick's decision, general manager Horst Heldt told the official website: Ralf Rangnick's decision deserves the highest respect.
"We certainly share the view that health should take priority over any professional goals and challenges. Ralf will now withdraw from the game completely until further notice to allow him to make the best possible use of the time off he needs."
Meanwhile, team doctor Thorsten Rarreck told reporters: "He realised enough is enough. This is very brave of him. I know lots of people who in the same situation would have thought they have to go on.
"It will take him a few months to recover, but unlike depression, burn-out is reversible," he added.
Rangnick becomes the second Bundesliga coach this week to lose his job, after Hamburg sacked Michael Oenning on Monday after their poor start to the season.