Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel has vowed he will not make a hasty decision on his future despite his side's woeful form.

A 1-1 draw with Bochum left Stuttgart languishing inside the Bundesliga's relegation zone.

Babbel has come under increasing scrutiny after presiding over a dismal eight-game winless run in the league which has seen the 2007 champions slide alarmingly down the table.

After yesterday's match, Stuttgart fans protested outside the Mercedes-Benz Arena, where Babbel, director of sport Horst Heldt and club president Erwin Staudt were holding yet another crisis meeting.

This time, however, Babbel did not emerge with the same courage and determination as he had shown six days ago, after a 4-0 defeat to leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

"I need to be given a bit of time to let things sink in," the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender told Sky television.

"Otto Rehhagel once said that you should never make decisions out of your emotion but wait until you have dealt with things.

"And I am going to take this time."

The day of drama started before the game as Stuttgart's team bus was blocked by angry fans on its way into the stadium.

"That really wound me up, but unfortunately I was not able to pick myself to play," admitted Babbel, who laid the blame for the poor display at the feet of his players, who surrended a 1-0 lead in the final minute against Bochum when Christian Fuchs fired home a superb free-kick.

"The atmosphere inside the stadium contributed to our unease," Babbel continued.

"The team was unable to put this insecurity to one side.

"Bochum then scored a great equaliser from a free-kick and that is obviously very bitter, especially in our situation.

"We are very, very disappointed."

Stuttgart must now prepare for a pivotal Champions League encounter with Unirea Urziceni at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Wednesday.

A win would take them through to the knockout stages of the competition while a draw or defeat leaves them facing the consolation of the Europa League.