Wolfsburg hoping 'Magician' can work his magic

Felix Magath, seen here in 2006 and who was sacked by Bayern Munich in February, took over as coach of VfL Wolfsburg on a three-year contract.

Felix Magath, sacked by Bayern Munich in February, took over as coach of VfL Wolfsburg on a three-year contract, the German first division club said on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old known as 'The Magician', who will combine the roles of sporting director and coach, has a contract which runs from June 15 this year till 2010.

"He (Magath) will be responsible for all the age groups at Wolfsburg which includes the youth team and the personal sector," read a statement on the club website.

Hans Dieter Potsch, president of the board, was delighted with the club persuading the former German international striker to take on the job, replacing 1990 World Cup winning defender Kalus Augenthaler, who was sacked on the eve of their last Bundesliga match which saw them finsih just one place above relegation.

"With Felix Magath we have been able to recruit for VfL Wolfsburg one of the best known figures in German football," purred Potsch.

"He brings with him both the experience of being manager and coach."

A renowned disciplinarian, the former VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen coach won two German league and Cup doubles with Bayern Munich in both 2005 and 2006 but after a relatively disastrous first-half of the season last term was unceremoniously ditched.