Bruno Labbadia returns to coach Hamburg SV

Former Hamburg player Bruno Labbadia has also coached Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart

Bundesliga bottom club Hamburg SV have appointed Bruno Labbadia as head coach as they attempt to escape relegation with just six games left to play.

Labbadia, 49, who coached Hamburg in 2009-10, has agreed a 15-month contract after talks with former Mainz 05 coach Thomas Tuchel broke down.

He takes over from Peter Knaebel who returns to his post as sports director.

"We now have a strong coach experienced in relegation battles," said Hamburg chief executive Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

Former player Labbadia, who has also coached Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, said: "We have no time to waste.

"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, former European champions, are the only club to have played every season in the Bundesliga since its formation in 1963.