Schaaf declines comment on reported talks with Wolfsburg

BREMEN - Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf refused to comment Saturday on a report he was being lined up to take over at Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg.

‘I have never commented on such things and won’t be doing so now,’ he said.

According to Saturday’s Bild newspaper, 48-year-old Schaaf has had ‘first negotiations’ with Wolfsburg, who are seeking a successor to Felix Magath from the next season.

Schaaf Saturday celebrated his 10th anniversary as Bremen coach, making him easily the longest-serving coach in the German league. His current contract expires next year.

Ironically Schaaf’s predecessor at Bremen was Magath, who Wednesday announced he would be leaving Wolfsburg to join Schalke 04 after the season.

Under Schaaf, Bremen have won the league once, the German Cup twice and have been regular qualifiers for the Champions League.

The current league season has been disappointing, but Bremen have reached the final of both the UEFA Cup and the German Cup.

Bild said Schaaf would be attracted to Wolfsburg where - as in Bremen - he would be allowed to work without management interference but would have greater investment opportunities thanks to the backing of carmaker Volkswagen.

In Bremen, he has often had to sell his best players, the latest possible example being playmaker Diego who is reportedly wanted by Juventus and Bayern Munich among others.