Dieter-Klaus Hecking (; born 12 September 1964) is a German football manager for 1. FC Nürnberg and former professional player. He played for Hannover 96 and Eintracht Braunschweig. He returned to manage Hannover despite the long-standing and bitter rivalry between the two clubs. Managerial career Early career (2000–2004) On 1 July 2000, Hecking moved into management as he took over as manager at Regionalliga Nord outfit SC Verl. His first match was a 2–0 loss to Eintracht Braunschweig on 1 August 2000. However, Hecking's proclamations that he was seeking a new position irked the club to such an extent they fired him after just 20 games in charge. He was sacked on 31 January 2001. His final match was a 2–1 win to Tennis Borussia Berlin. Verl were in seventh place when Hecking was sacked. Hecking wasn't free for long as another Regionalliga Nord side, VfB Lübeck, came calling on 27 March 2001. His first match was a 1–0 loss to Fortuna Düsseldorf on 30 March 2001. Hecking achieved a solid job in the remaining games, leaving the club in third place, just one short of promotion. This set the basis for the following season as the team claimed the title and moved up into the 2. Bundesliga. Lübeck were knocked out of the German Cup by Werder Bremen. Hecking then managed to secure Lübeck an 11th place in the 2002–03 season. Lübeck were knocked out of the German Cup by MSV Duisburg. The following season proved to have mixed results. In the league, the club slipped back down to the Regionalliga Nord, occupying the final relegation position. However, they also got to the semi-finals of the German Cup, where they were eliminated by Werder Bremen. This proved the catalyst for VfB Lübeck to announce that they would not be extending his contract further and he left the club on 25 May 2004. Alemannia Aachen (2004–2006) Once again, Hecking was not short of work as just a week later 2. Bundesliga side Alemannia Aachen announced that he would be taking the managerial reins at their club, after the departure of Jörg Berger. Hecking's first match was a 1–1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on 9 August 2004. During the 2004–05 season, Alemannia Aachen participated in the UEFA Cup, where they got to second round when they eliminated by AZ Alkmaar. In the German Cup, Alemannia Aachen were eliminated in the second