Bayer Leverkusen coach Thomas Hoerster has offered to step down after Saturday’s defeat to Stuttgart saw the drop back into the relegation zone.

Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up lie third bottom following the 3-0 defeat at the weekend and have six matches left in which to poreserve their top flight status.

Hoerster was appointed after coach KlausToppmoeller was sacked less than two months ago, but his apppointment has failed to bring an improvement in fortunes at the Bay Arena.

The club confirmed that Hoerster was prepared to step down if Leverkusen could find a suitable replacement. Leverkusen commercial manager Reiner Calmund said the club would make an announcement later today.