Nuremberg chief frustrated by defeat

Nuremberg will still avoid relegation to the second division despite losing their last three games, according to their director of sport Martin Bader. The Bavarians were unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Stuttgart yesterday and Bader insists there are plenty of positives that his side can take out of the game. "I cannot criticise the team at all today," he said. "They showed why they have already earned 31 points. Football is all about results and we would have deserved a draw today, so it is very frustrating." Only a few weeks ago, Nuremberg were challenging for a place in Europe after winning three in a row, but now their concern is once again avoiding relegation. "We had worked our way into a better position a few weeks ago," added Bader on Sky television. "Now Stuttgart are on their way into Europe because they scored one goal from one chance, and that is bitter for us." Cacau was Stuttgart's match-winner as he took his chance due to the suspension of Vedad Ibisevic, who had kept him on the bench since arriving from Hoffenheim in January. "I am delighted for Cacau," said Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia. "I had really hoped he would score. This has done him good and it has done us good."