Stuttgart captain Christian Gentner has claimed that interim head coach Jurgen Kramny can produce a response from the squad over the coming weeks.

The club parted company with Alexander Zorniger this week following a run of form which has left them 16th in the Bundesliga table.

After conceding 31 goals in their 13 league matches this season, Gentner is confident that Kramny can quickly improve the defensive performances.

"In the short term it is necessary to reduce the number of goals conceded. With 31 goals conceded, there are no two ways about it," the midfielder told the club's website.

"Through [Kramny's] work with the second team, he has a wealth of experience that will help us.

"Many players already know him and he is an open-minded guy, but a long-term solution would be ideal."

Stuttgart visit Borussia Dortmund on Sunday afternoon.