Struggling Hoffenheim fires coach Marco Kurz

SINSHEIM, Germany (AP) — Struggling Bundesliga club Hoffenheim has fired coach Marco Kurz after just three months in charge and also parted company with general manager Andreas Mueller.

Hoffenheim said on Tuesday that Markus Gisdol will replace Kurz with immediate effect.

Kurz took over the team at the beginning of January after Markus Babbel was fired. But he failed to turn around the club, which is second to last in the Bundesliga and four points short of the relegation playoff place that would give it a chance of staying in the top flight.

Hoffenheim has conceded 52 goals this season and shares with Werder Bremen the Bundesliga's worst defensive record. On Saturday, the team lost 3-0 at Schalke.