Mainz appoint Martin Schmidt as new manager after parting ways with Kasper Hjulmand
Kasper Hjulmand is out. Martin Schmidt is in.
Mainz announced Tuesday that they've parted company with Hjulmand following their 4-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund over the weekend, installing Schmidt as their new manager with immediate effect.
Schmidt, who arrived at Mainz in 2010 from FC Thun, helped promote the club's U-23 side to the third division of German football last year, and he'll now face the daunting task of ensuring Mainz remain above the relegation zone.
"It's obviously a big step for me to be taking charge of a Bundesliga team," said Schmidt of his appointment. "But I don't feel that I'm being thrown in at the deep end because last year I worked closely with the team and the coaches. I know the procedures and I'm prepared.
"Firstly, we have to work together and not waste any time at training. I'm not going to change everything but I want to bring back the philosophies that the club has had for many years. I'm a manager that plays courageous, attacking football through pressing, winning the ball back and playing at a high tempo."
The club's first training session under Schmidt will take place Tuesday.