Markus Babbel: Has received the backing of his general manager at Hoffenheim

After a loss to Bayern Munich and a 3-3 draw with Greuther Furth, the club's ambitions of playing in Europe may have to be put on ice for another year.

However, Muller insists Babbel is still an asset to the club and there are no plans to relieve him of his duties after just four months in charge.

"I am absolutely convinced by Babbel's quality," he told Bild. "He is doing a very good job in Hoffenheim.

"I see the way he is working with the team."

Hoffenheim currently lie 14th as they head to Mainz and Muller says their immediate aim must be to steady the ship rather than letting European football become an obsession.

He said: "Maybe we could talk about that if we had four more points, but realistically a place in Europe is only possible in one or two years."