German club Schalke have announced that manager Ralf Rangnick will be leaving his post because of health problems.

The 53-year-old said in a statement on the club's official website that he had stepped down because of "exhaustion syndrome".

"After a long and mature consideration I decided that I needed a break," Rangnick said.

"This decision is very hard but my current energy level is not sufficient to be successful and especially to further develop the team."

Rangnick led Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals and German Cup victory in last season's campaign.

Die Konigsblauen are currently ninth in the Bundesliga after three wins and three defeats in their opening six games.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre