Mainz, Germany - Mainz 05 fired coach Joern Andersen on Monday, less than a week before the start of the Bundesliga season, and replaced him with Thomas Tuchel.

Andersen got his marching orders after a weekend first-round cup defeat at fourth division club Luebeck and criticism from players on his training methods.

The Norwegian Andersen was appointed in July 2008 and took Mainz back from the second division into the Bundesliga.

Tuchel, 35, led Mainz' under-19 team to the national title last season. He makes his top flight debut in Saturday's season-opener against Bayer Leverkusen. (dpa)