Stevens dismisses Wagner rumours after Schalke secure survival

BERLIN: Veteran coach Huub Stevens has completed his mission to keep Schalke in the Bundesliga, after the club secured survival with a 0-0 draw at home to Augsburg on Sunday.

"It's a shame for the fans that we weren't able to win today, but staying up was the main thing," said Stevens, who is a member of the club's board.

He refused to confirm rumours that former Huddersfield coach David Wagner will succeed him next season.

Schalke finished second under Domenico Tedesco last season, but turned to Stevens to guide them away from relegation after Tedesco's reign imploded this year.

Stevens, who had twice managed the club before and led them to UEFA Cup glory in 1997, stepped in and took the reins in March with Schalke just four points clear of the bottom three.

Sunday's draw put them seven points clear of Stuttgart, who are in the relegation play-off place, sealing safety with two games to spare.

"There won't be a party tonight because they have lactate tests on Tuesday, and my successor will want know about their lactate values."

Stevens refused to answer questions about Wagner, who played under him at Schalke in the 1990's and is rumoured to be next in line for the head coach job.

"As a member of the Schalke board, I am unable to comment," he said.