Schalke has fired coach Jens Keller and announced former Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo top replace him.

The Bundesliga club announced Keller's dismissal on Twitter on Tuesday after a disappointing start to the season that has seen Schalke pick up only eight points in seven league games.

The team lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim on Saturday and has also been knocked out of the German Cup by third-division Dynamo Dresden.

Keller was appointed Schalke's coach in December 2012 but faced constant speculation over his position.