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Hoffenheim coach Huub Stevens stepped down yesterday, citing heart problems with the team struggling in the Bundesliga.

The 62-year-old Dutchman told reporters he had quit after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia that may require surgery.

“I am sorry to be leaving the club in this difficult situation but I think everyone will understand that my health takes priority,” Stevens, who has had more than a half dozen coaching stops in the Bundesliga and also won the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997, said.

“I took my decision following the advice of doctors.

“You have to be 100 per cent fit and I am not. It was a big risk for me to continue. I don’t have a lot of years left, but I want to make the most of the ones I have left,” he said.

Stevens, who saved Stuttgart from relegation in the past two seasons after twice taking over midway through the campaigns, replaced Markus Gisdol at Hoffenheim in October.

But after 10 matches in charge Hoffenheim have managed one victory and are languishing in 17th place on 14 points, level with bottom side Hanover.

Assistant coaches Alfred Schreuder and Armin Reutershahn have taken charge for now, with youth team coach Julian Nagelsmann set to take the reins next season.

Stevens had signed a deal with Hoffenheim until the end of the season.