Arminia Bielefeld have sacked sporting director Reinhard Saftig after a five-match losing streak saw them slip to fourth bottom.

Saftig has been criticised for appointing new coach Michael Frontzeck, who joined just before the first of the five games, and was subjected to abuse from supporters after the 2-0 home defeat to Duisburg, who moved off the bottom of the Bundesliga afterwards.

"We have decided to plan for next season with a new sporting management," the club said. "A successor has yet to be found.

"We thank Reinhard Saftig for his work and wish him all the best for the future."

The 56-year-old Saftig has previously been head coach at Borussia Dortmund, Vfl Bochum, Bayer Leverkusen, Kocaelispor, Galatasaray and Mainz, and was working as a scout for Dortmund before joining Bielefeld two-and-a-half years ago.

Frontzeck has not been fired but could go if they lose their next match, a tricky trip to Hansa Rostock, who are three points and one place above Bielefeld in 14th.

Reda Maher / Eurosport