Struggling Hamburg have appointed Bruno Labbadia as their new coach with immediate effect in a surprise decision with the former European champions anchored in last place with six matches left . Despite widespread speculation about a pending deal with former Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel , Hamburg said they had agreed on a 15-month contract with Labbadia , who had coached them in 2009-10 . The coach 's contract is also valid for the second division should Hamburg be relegated . He takes over from interim coach Peter Knaebel who replaced sacked Joe Zinnbauer in March and will now return to his post as sports director . Hamburg have appointed Bruno Labbadia as their new coach on a 15-month contract . 'We decided to take this step because we consider the coach question the most important , ' said Hamburg CEO Dietmar Beiersdorfer in a statement . 'With Bruno Labbadia we now have a strong coach who is also experienced in relegation battles . ' Beiersdorfer said the club had ended talks with Tuchel after an agreement could not be reached . Hamburg are the only club with a perfect Bundesliga record , having played every season in the top division since the league 's creation in 1963 . Labbadia returns to Hamburg for a second spell after coaching the club for one season in 2009-10 . The 49-year-old Labbadia , a former Hamburg player , has also coached Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart among other . 'We have no time to waste , ' Labbadia said . 'Every point matters for us and I am happy that Hamburg has such support from the fans . Because we have to be a unit until the last matchday . '
Hamburg sacked Joe Zinnbauer in March with Thomas Tuchel taking over . Knaebel has now returned to his original post as sports director . Club has been in talks with Peter Knaebel but could not reach agreement . Hamburg appointed former coach Bruno Labbadia on 15-month contract .