Schalke coach Mirko Slomka's future looks set to be away from the club after a board member admitted the chances of him staying are "slim".The Royal Blues have taken 13 points from their past five games and a 1-0 win over Hansa Rostock on Saturday moved them up to second place in the Bundesliga.

They are also set to play Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday, but rumours are rife that Slomka is set to become the new Hamburg coach, replacing Dutchman Huub Stevens.

The unnamed board member told WR radio station: "The probability of Slomka staying with us next season is slim."

He refused to elaborate, saying "now is the wrong time" because the club were at a crucial point of the season.

Slomka himself recognises the importance of a decisive few weeks ahead, saying: "We are obviously delighted to be in second place, but we have six intensive weeks ahead of us.

"That starts on Wednesday with the return leg in Barcelona."

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