Wolfsburg to be tempted with offers for Edin Džeko

As rumours swirling of Edin Džeko possibly heading to Manchester City, AC Milan or Chelsea, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international stated in a radio interview:

"Talks on a new contract with Wolfsburg are currently underway. If I get what I have asked for I will most likely stay there for another year."

That aside, with Manchester City sniffing around, the asking price of £9m could make a sizable jump to the point that it would be impossible for Wolfsburg to turn down. With Man City's attempt to sign Carlos Tevez suffering some growing pains, it is very possible the Wolfsburg could see a bidding war erupt for the Sarajevo native.

Armin Veh to lead Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg wasted no time in replacing Felix Magath as the club announced that Armin Veh, most recently of VfB Stuttgart, will lead the charge to defend their Bundesliga crown. The experienced coach lead Stuttgart to the title in 2007 but in an odd twist-of-fate, was let go in November 2008 after being dismantled by Wolsburg.

Inheriting the Bundesliga Champions, the new leader said:

“I’m delighted to be taking over this team, which just two days ago became German champions. It’s a wonderful and appealing, if at the same time difficult, task - but I know how to deal with that! I believe that this team has a lot of potential. It’s a young side that will have a lot of success in the future too."

Wolfsburg crowned champions!

Wolfsburg etched its name in history with its first Bundesliga title in style with a resounding 5-1 thumping of Werder Bremen.

If there was any doubt of Wolfsburg's focus, that ended within minutes of the opening whistle. Die Wölfe are rich with hero's this year and none better than Zvjezdan Misimović to start the scoring only six minutes in as he poached on a rebound from Makoto Hasebe's and sent the ball in from nine metres. Nine minutes later the margin was doubled as Christian Gentner outworked the opposition to the left and after creating space near the byline he crossed to Grafite to the near post, who turned the ball in deftly. Still pressing Wolfsburg's day was near complete at the twenty-fifth minute as Grafite's cross from the right was turned in by Bremen's Sebastian Prödl for an own-goal making it 3-0. Six minutes later Diego gave Bremen hope, scoring from the right via a brilliant provision by Claudio Pizzaro but that was as close as it would get as Wolfsburg added second-half goals by Grafite and Edin Džeko. Four minutes before the hour Zvjezdan Misimović's long diagonal free-kick from the right was sent in by Grafite and to cap the day off perfectly the e Bosnia and Herzegovina international team chipped a perfect cross that his compatriot volleyed in to bring the match to the final 5-1 mark.

The celebration has only started but the impact of Wolfsburg winning the Bundesliga title is profound. While their are undoubtedly many changes to the club coming, starting first with Felix Magath's departure to Schalke, it is a time for rejoicing for all Wolfsburg fans and for that matter, all Bundesliga supporters for a glorious campaign.

Another of those famous final scene's

As the curtain falls on the Bundesliga campaign, Wolfsburg sits on the cusp of a historic first title. While the clubs coach Felix Magath has drawn much criticism for his exodus to Schalke, there is absolutely no debate on his masterful work. With one final hurdle to cross, that being Werder Bremen's visits Volkswagen Arena on Saturday afternoon, Wolfsburg can etch its name in the few who have graced to top of the Bundesliga with a single point.

For Bremen it is the most peculiar of matches. A brilliant side that has fallen unceremoniously in the depths of the middle, threatening the positions of long-term men Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allof. Heading into the final week, after the painful added-time loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul, Bremen has a chance to deal the ultimate hand of the "spoiler" prior to next weeks DFB Pokal final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Whether they are capable of a concerted effort that could deal Wolfsburg its first loss of the year at home remains to be seen but that are without a doubt capable. The showdown waits as Bremen playmaker Diego, in his Bundesliga swansong before heading to Juventus, will hold the cards to the visitors success.

The home side with its randy bunch of goalscoring phenoms, Edin Džeko, Grafite and Zvjezdan Misimović, must go beyond showing a morsel of ice-water in their veins but instead a champions cunning ability to close out the competition. It is the most complex of all skills, the killer instinct to finish the competition off and rise to the top. Many are great competitors but one only can be called champion.

And so this campaign ends with a brilliant finish, the rare chance to see a side climb to the top of the league with only one step remaining. In its way, a storied club, nay institution waits to steal away their dreams only to let Bayern or Stuttgart to pull off the ultimate of jobs. Regardless of the outcome it is the grandest of days to be a fan of as the final scene plays out.

Wolfsburg edges closer to historic first Bundesliga title

Wolfsburg edged closer to its historic first Bundesliga title with a empowering 5-0 defeat of Hannover 96 in the Niedersachsenderby. Led by Edin Džeko three goals, Wolfsburg stands atop the Bundesliga, ahead of both Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart by two points with a next weeks crucial match against Werder Bremen being the decider.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, Edin Džeko, who started his professional career in his native Sarajevo for Željezničar opened the scoring fourteen minutes in as he controlled Makoto Hasebe provision before driving the ball past Robert Enke from just outside the box. Three minutes past the half hour Marcel Schäfer sent a low cross into the box the young Bosnian redirected to Grafite who sent it to the back of the net. Only three minutes later, from nearly the same spot Christian Gentner crossed to Grafite, who after out-dueling Mario Eggimann, made it 3-0 from close range. After the break Zvjezdan Misimović set up his countryman Džeko who escaped Sergio Pinto as he escaped his mark before heading the ball in. With eleven minutes remaining, Wolfsburg took a 5-0 lead as Makoto Hasebe's cross from the lead was nodded in by Edin Džeko for his third of the day.

On Saturday Wolfsburg faces Werder Bremen to seal the title in the final match day of the Bundesliga campaign.

Niedersachsenderby preview

Heading into the final two weeks of Bundesliga campaign it is surely one of the most exciting in European football. Whilst some leagues are merely conjuring up an "exciting race" to try and keep viewers, the battle between Wolfsburg and Bayern München is not only a nip and tuck battle, only separated by a narrow goal differential but ripe with exciting twisting plots that rival a Alfred Hitchcock production.

Die Wölfe are on the verge of their rewarding the citizenry of Wolfsburg first championship. While the club certainly lacks the history the teems through the Bundesliga with clubs its growth and support through responsible domestic ownership is something deserving notion.

Looking beyond Wolfsburg's question for championship brings the interesting story of their coach Felix Magath. After Bayern München to the double two years in succession he was unceremoniously dumped before being scooped up by Volkswagen to lead Wolfsburg. Setting a long-term goal, the fifty-five year old footballing genius as taken the fast track and although keying a fifth place finish this year, his side is within two matches of the crown. Of course the delicous twist of the knife is should Wolfsburg be successful in their first title, it will be a crushing blow for Bayern.

However the story of Mr. Magath is far from over because before the parade could form his unpopularity in the Niedersachsen as he has committed to lead Schalke 04 starting this July. Apparently Mr. Magath does not understand the fine art of delaying such an announcement although he is never shy to host a press conference as wait for his "1".

Casting aside commentary of possible suitors for Edin Džeko, Zvjezdan Misimović, Grafite and Peter Pekarík that has many wondering what Wolfsburg will look like next year, Bayern is laying low in the reeds and ready to pounce with the slightest chance.

If this delectable story isn't exciting enough Bayern has cast aside the bounty of changes that Jürgen Klinsmann during his reign as head coach and with long-time Borussia Mönchengladbach man Jupp Heynckes in-charge they have yet to drop a point. Should Bayern overtake Wolfsburg in the final two matches, the former striker extraordinaire will be owed a much of the credit.

As Wolfsburg heads into Saturdays Niedersachsenderby against Hannover 96 it has the obvious test of leaving with three points but equally littering Robert Enke's net and building upon their two goal differential. With this being Dieter Hecking's side final match of the campaign at the Niedersachsenstadion they will put up a Herculian fight. Wolfsburg is fully fit with the only absence being Josué who is in the sin-bin.

Wolfsburg close in on Bundesliga crown with victory over Dortmund

After the weekends disappointing loss to Stuttgart, Wolfsburg responded with a 3-0 defeat of Dortmund maintaining its unbeaten streak in the friendly confines of Volkswagen Arena. The victory, coupled with Bayern's successful day against Leverkusen, keeps die Wölfe on top of the Bundesliga table via goal differential.

After the upstart Dortmund side threatened Wolfsburg took the lead at the fifteenth minute in as Grafite and Josué played a smooth one-two with the later sending through Edin Džeko who then sent the ball past Dortmund 'keeper Roman Weidenfeller from twelve metres. Following the goal Dortmund was blemish free in defending for the balance of the half and certainly have reason to question referee Lutz Wagner's decision as he seemed to look the other way in a number of calls including a possibly penalty call on Alexander Madlung midway of the half. However that aside Wolfsburg pushed the pedal down two minutes after the break as a Edin Džeko out dueled Neven Subotić on the left before supplying Grafite the ball for a quick finish at the edge of the area. With sixteen minutes remaining veteran Sebastian Schindzielorz made his first Bundesliga appearance in three years entering for Zvjezdan Misimović as Wolfsburg looked to tighten down the match. Nine minute later Wolfsburg added its third goal as Grafite worked down the left channel past Neven Subotić and a out-of-position Florian Kringe before sending the cross from the six-yard box that took an opportunistic bounce off Felipe Santana and straight to Edin Džeko to finish for his second of the day.

Wolfsburg returns to play on Saturday against Hannover. With the Bundesliga crown in its sights, there is no room for error and Wolfsburg must stay focused with each step.

Wolfsburg falls 4-1 to Stuttgart

In the annals of coaching, Felix Magath's decision this week to announce he is leaving the club at season's end will be remembered for one of the most unprofessional decisions made in the sport. While Mr. Magath is a superb coach, his decision to do so directly impacted on his sides mindset resulting in today's 4-1 blowout loss against Stuttgart. Combined with Bayern's win, Wolfsburg is now level with the defending champion and while it certainly does not end the championship hopes it deeply questions the managers leadership and for that matter his ethical intention of the announcement knowing full well its impact.

The storyline of the day was shared with a team, that being Markus Babbel's Stuttgart seizing the opportunity and playing as a collective unit against a rag-tag group knowing full-well its coach has defected. While Mr. Magath as attempted to his explain his rationale for leaving for Schalke, albeit in a highly convoluted manner, it nonetheless devastated the underpinnings of the club.

Although the match had all the makings of an incredible battle it was in-truth a slaughter too painful to watch. Wolfsburg was not a first place side but merely a mid-table side, head hung low and dissected by a club following a superb young leader in Markus Babbel, who after finishing his playing career in Stuttgart, took up the coaching profession. Behind Mr. Babbel, the home side filleted Wolfsburg for two goals by Mario Gómez in the first twenty minutes and despite Edin Džeko's mark nine minutes before the break Stuttgart was in clear control. After the break Super Mario continued on with two more strikes and while Felix Magath's ranted of his sides poor performance, he brought in on to himself.

Now the test for Wolfsburg is to unite as a team as they head down the final three matches. This isn't such as easy examination as it will require closed-door meetings of players-only, to address the issue and find a way for internal leadership.

Felix Magath's tactical error

With a three-point lead in the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg travels to Stuttgart to face Markus Babbel's surging side at the Neckarstadion Saturday afternoon.

Although the match has all the makings of incredible battle between the two hottest sides in Germany with the championship on the line, the real story of the week is Felix Magath's announcement this week that he is defecting to Schalke 04 at the end of the campaign. While the match will ultimately be decided on the pitch, Stuttgart will have an enormous advantage with more focused week of preparation. It goes without saying that Felix Magath is a brilliant coach but the timing of this announcement was abysmal and should have been handled with a far more professional approach. While his commentary and rationale of leaving Wolfsburg for Schalke's for financial reasons is perplexing given Volkswagon's commitment to the club and the region, this has all the makings of one of the biggest errors in coaching in decades. With Bayern only three points behind, a slip-up could cost Wolfsburg the championship and ultimately the let up will rest partially on the timing of the announcement.

Regarding injuries, all systems are go for die Wölfe as they are fully fit. The high scoring trio of Edin Džeko, Zvjezdan Misimović and Grafite will face a highly motivated a cohesive defending unit and need to be at the best.

Felix Magath leaves Wolfsburg

The much rumoured move of Felix Magath to Schalke has been confirmed. The fifty-five year-old coach who joined Wolfsburg in June 2007 will be leaving at the end of the season before taking charge of the Gelsenkirchen based club.

Under Felix Magath's leadership die Wölfe have roared to unprecedented levels of success and have their first Bundesliga championship within reach as they enter the final four weeks of the campaign.

In a prepared statement he noted:

"We have achieved our sporting targets far more quickly than formulated when I took on the post in summer 2007. The team is young, still capable of developing and perspectively tied to the club."

VfL Wolfsburg board chairman Hans-Dieter Pötsch was gracious in announcing the decision:

"We really have to be very thankful to Mr. Magath for the development which has taken place at the club over the past two years, and for the position we are in now with four games to go until the end of the season. He has realised extraordinary sporting success with VfL in a very short space of time. We wish him all the best in his future coaching career."

Wir sind Herrn Magath für die in den vergangenen zwei Jahren eingeleitete Entwicklung schon zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt, vier Spieltage vor Saisonende, zu großem Dank verpflichtet. Er hat innerhalb sehr kurzer Zeit außerordentlichen sportlichen Erfolg mit dem VfL realisiert. Für seine weitere Trainer-Karriere wünschen wir ihm alles Gute.“

Of rumoured candidates to replace him are Marco van Basten, who resigned from Ajax today, Frank Rijkaard, Ralf Rangnick and Armin Veh.

Wolfsburg looks for three points against Hoffenheim

With Wolfsburg’s remarkable run in the Rückrunde coming to an end against Energie Cottbus, Felix Magath enters the final month of the campaign with his side holding a narrow three point advantage over Hertha BSC. On Saturday die Wölfe welcome free-falling Hoffenheim to the Volkswagen Arena with three points firmly targeted.

Despite holding the Bundesliga lead, Mr Magath has been cagey with the media, speaking of maintaining their goal towards fifth-place, all the while allowing other teams stand in-line for public attention. Through the past week whilst Bayern reached into Borussia Mönchengladbach's history for Jupp Heynckes to lead them in pursuit of the championship, Mr. Magath has done his best to avoid the limelight. While few in the English-speaking media might see the irony of the Wolfsburg leader rising to the top, while his eventual replacement with Bayern being replaced by a long-time Gladbach man, it should also be pointed out that Wolfsburg will not be satisfied with a "fifth place" finish and looking to cull the hopes with a resounding defeat of Hoffenheim.

For their visitors, 2009 has not been kind to them. The fairy-tale story of the little village side climbing to the heights of the Bundesliga has turned to into Alfred Hitchcock psychological thriller that is sometimes too painful to watch. Since the winter break they have won a single match and effectively turned 180º and fortunate to have built up enough points early, lest they would need to dealing with talk of relegation and the like.

Returning to last weeks affair, while Bojan Prašnikar’s forces did a superb job nullifying Wolfsburg's scoring trio of Edin Džeko, Zvjezdan Misimović and Grafite the same tactical plan is unlikely to be a template that will be successful again given its reliance upon slowing the match down with endless "phantom" fouls if not simply a poor day by the goal scorers. At this stage Wolfsburg has no notable omissions from Saturday's fixture as they look to restart their winning streak.

Die Lausitzer end Wolfsburg run

Wolfsburg's remarkable unbeaten run during the Rückrunde came to shocking conclusion losing 2-0 to relegation threatened Energie Cottbus. For the Lausitz side, it was the performance of the year that could save them relegation but equally it could cost Wolfsburg the Bundesliga championship. The loss leaves Wolfsburg holding a two point margin over Hertha BSC but without question will be remembered as a lost opportunity.

Committed to unbreakable defending, Bojan Prašnikar's forces nullified Wolfsburg's advances, limiting them to a few unfilled chance before the break. After Edin Džeko was denied from point blank range by Energie 'keeper Gerhard Tremmel, the hosts took the lead with eighteen minutes remaining. Off a short corner play Partizan product Ivica Iliev sent a high lob cross to the far post that Bulgarian international Dimitar Rangelov nodded-in with Wolfsburg a casual defenders a casual observer to the mark. With four minutes remaining a long ball found Dimitar Rangelov to the left and after holding off Wolfsburg's challenges he dispatched the ball to Dennis Sørensen on the right. The Danish international played-in Ervin Skela who then drove the ball in from a tight angle ball to make it 2-0.

Wolfsburg v Energie Cottbus match preview

Wolfsburg's puts their unbeaten streak in the Rückrunde as they travel to face Energie Cottbus Sunday afternoon. As Felix Magath's side going for their remarkable eleventh successive victory they are also aware that following Schalke's defeat of Bayern could give them a five point lead as the Bundesliga campaign enters its final month.

Die Wölfe are quite obviously going forward in a stunning run and while many will point to the Bosnian connection of Edin Džeko and Zvjezdan Misimović, along with Grafite for their scoring prowess at the root of their improved play is the new found iron-clad defending abilities.

While the Lausitz side have rarely expierienced success against Wolfsburg, Felix Magath is more than aware he must be careful against Cottbus as they are fighting to avoid relegation and will put up a spirited effort. Bojan Prašnikar's side will play a highly physical style and care must be taken to keep Dimitar Rangelov and former Oţelul Galaţi man Emil Jula under-wraps.

Wolfsburg match win record

Wolfsburg matched Borussia Mönchengladbach record of ten consecutive wins that has stood for over twenty years with a narrow 2-1 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Volkswagen Arena. The match was far from a walk in the park for die Wölfe as Leverkusen will rue a number of missed opportunities.

Grafite gave Wolfsburg the lead twenty-three minutes in from the spot after Manuel Friedrich, presumably from phantom contact that defies the ability of the human eye, was adjudged to bringing down the Brazilian in the area. With the fortunate one goal advantage, Wolfsburg came within a whisper of doubling the margin but finishing was off and the visitors defending focus began to lock out further advances. However the match was level nine minutes into the new half as Stefan Kießling worked the ball to Toni Kroos to fire into the net from just inside the area. Momentum was definitely in Leverkusen's favour with Simon Rolfes hitting the woodwork, however it was the hosts who would score next. With five minutes remaining Bosnia and Herzegovina international Zvjezdan Misimović provided a perfectly weighted through-ball to Grafite, who sent the ball past René Adler and into net.

Wolfsburg travel to face relegation threatened Energie Cottbus next Saturday in quest for the eleventh straight victory.

Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen match preview

Die Wölfe put its stunning nine match winning streak on the line as Bayer Leverkusen visits Volkswagen Arena Saturday afternoon. Felix Magath's Wolfsburg have catapulted to the top of the Bundesliga with the only blemish in the Rückrunde being their opening match draw against Köln.

With a win, Wolfsburg will not only match Borussia Mönchengladbach record of ten straight victories, set over twenty years ago but equally apply pressure on Bayern who are three points behind. While some are beginning to raise the improbable question if Wolfsburg could run the table in the second half of the year, Felix Magath is staying grounded:

"We must do all in our power to win on Saturday. For me, that has nothing to do with maintaining any sort of run or records which we can, or have already, set. We want to cement our position in the table. That’s all that counts!"

For Leverkusen, their fortunes have turned in the opposite direction during the new year. Visions of European football have all but disappeared as only won twice in the new year. Leverkusen coach Bruno Labbadia knows the deck is stacked against his side but challenged his men:

"As things stand, we’ve got to win our games and we’ll do all we can to achieve that aim."

Both sides are without selection concerns as they are fully-fit.

Die Wölfe overcome Mönchengladbach 2-1

Felix Magath's concern of his sides visit of Borussia-Park proved to be right as it took a late goal by Sascha Riether to provide Wolfsburg the 2-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. The victory maintains the stunning unbeaten of die Wölfe in the Rückrunde with nine consecutive victories but reaffirms 'Gladbach's remarkable improvement from the start of year.

The hearty Borussia-Park crowd were an imposing twelfth man to face and throughout the match they exalted their side on far beyond their relegation position indicates. A quick start by 'Gladbach was foreboding as Wolfsburg was forced on their heels in a shape of things to come in the match. Early efforts by Karim Matmour and Alexander Baumjohann came within a whisper of finding the mark and it was clear 'Gladbach wasn't going to play safe in the match but inside attack with a voracious appetite. However twenty minutes-in Wolfsburg Bosnia and Herzegovina connection once again were at the source of their success as Edin Džeko escaped Paul Stalteri before rising high in the box to nod in Zvjezdan Misimović's cross. The goal was frustrating for the hosts as they had at stage done what no-one had done in the second-half of the year, out-attacking Wolfsburg. Shortly thereafter Michael Bradley was played in alone on Diego Benaglio but the Swiss international denied him with point blank range. Truthfully the attempt should have never happened as Bradley should have simply passed the ball to a wide open Roberto Colautti for an easy close-out strike. Roberto Colautti's frustrating day continued right after the break as he nodded Marco Marin's well placed corner against the post and it seemed like the day would be one dodged bullet after another for Wolfsburg. With eleven minutes left on the clock, Borussia-Park got the goal they were waiting for as young starlet Marco Marin's free-kick into the box was headed powerfully in by Dante. After a close-range effort was denied by 'Gladbach 'keeper Logan Bailly, Wolfsburg found the winner with five minutes remaining. A Edin Džeko's shot was partially blocked by a 'Gladbach defender Paul Stalteri and opportunistically fell to Sascha Riether who sent the ball into the net while Dante dove to clear the ball away. The match concluded without further incident as Wolfsburg won 2-1.

Die Wölfe wary Mönchengladbach

Whether it is well scripted commentary for the media or merely the work of a well-spoken manager VfL coach Felix Magath knows die Wölfe needs to be wary Mönchengladbach as they venture to Borussia-Park this Saturday.

Carrying a unbeaten streak since the start of the Rückrunde with eight consecutive victories including last weekends lustful trounching of Jürgen Klinsmann’s Bayern München, Mr. Magath knows the situation is radically different with Borussia.

After a number of years of falling on difficult times Borussia overpowered their way through Bundesliga 2 last year before suffering through a dreadful first half of this season. However with their crafty leader Hans Meyer coming on board in late October the have clawed their way out of what appeared to be a sure-fire route to Bundesliga 2. While Borussia, respectfully is shy on sheer talent, they make up for it with intensity and a manager ready to pull out tactics not seen in decades including from the pages of Karl Rappan’s "bolt" to squeeze out points. While many will look towards Felix Magath, Martin Jol or Markus Babbel as leaders in the coaching front this year, what Hans Meyer has done is simply outstanding (see standings below).

Looking towards the match Bosnian play-maker Zvjezdan Misimović said of Borussia:

"Gladbach are battling against relegation and need every point. They will do everything in their power to beat us, but if we keep a cool head, we can take something from this game too."

Rückrunde table	GP	W	D	L	Pts
VfL Wolfsburg	9	8	1	0	25
VfB Stuttgart	9	6	2	1	20
Hamburger SV	9	6	0	3	18
Hertha BSC	9	5	1	3	16
VfL Bochum	9	4	2	3	14
Bayern München	9	4	1	4	13
Schalke 04	9	4	1	4	13
Borussia Mönchengladbach	9	3	3	3	12
Borussia Dortmund	9	2	5	2	11
FC Köln	9	2	4	3	10
Eintracht Frankfurt	9	2	4	3	10
Arminia Bielefeld	9	2	4	3	10
Werder Bremen	9	2	4	3	9
Bayer 04 Leverkusen	9	2	4	3	9
1899 Hoffenheim	9	1	6	2	9
Hannover 96	9	2	3	4	9
Energie Cottbus	9	2	1	6	7
Karlsruher SC	9	1	2	6	5

Peter Pekarík gets his due

As Wolfsburg edges towards its highest finish, credit is slowly starting to filter due to those responsible. The keen tactical eye Felix Magath has not gone unnoticed as his name is top of the list with every major vacancy and under his guise, the clubs scouting network as set the tone for other Bundesliga sides uncovering talent from across the globe. Young Bosnian Edin Džeko, has quickly emerged as one of the deadliest strikers in the game, prompting his name linking with top clubs across European competition.

Yet quietly the name of Peter Pekarík is slowly being acknowledged for his work. Whilst Zvjezdan Misimović has been the lynch-pin throughout the campaign there is no denying that Cristian Zaccardo feel short of the Mr. Magath's expectation and though Sascha Riether has done and exemplary job, it was the young Slovak for Corgoň Liga MŠK Žilina that was the finishing touch the Wölfe so desperately needed.

With Wolfsburg ready to crush though its Bundesliga record of 55 points as well as plundering the top spot, the club is undefeated since young Mr. Pekarík's insertion into the starting eleven against Bochum. Over the eight match winning streak, Wolfsburg once "too painful to watch" defending as disappeared as they have given up a miserly six goals along with filling the oppositions nets twenty-two times. It is no co-incidence that carefully disguised at the root of the club is the young Slovakia international. Leading Wolfsburg towards a possible championship the twenty-two year-old defender is equally experiencing success on the international scene as he is a major figure in Vladimír Weiss's efforts to win Slovakia's first World Cup berth.

Die Wölfe heads towards championship

Sounding more like he is running for political office then defeating a club who unceremoniously cast him aside, Felix Magath was humble of Die Wölfe complete demolition of Bayern:

"Of course we can be happy about this result. My team wonderfully put the equaliser behind them and played an incredible second half. We have to remain realistic though and can’t afford to forget the fact that Bayern were missing a lot of first choice players, but my team can still be very proud of what they have achieved."

For Mr. Magath, who had done such a brilliant job leading Bayern in back-to-back doubles before being let go in January 2007, the taste of victory must have been the sweetest kind despite his humility. His honourable intentions aside, Wolfsburg now sit within eight matches of a historic championship and are favourites to do so given they have went through the toughest part of their schedule.

In Wolfsburg's corner is of-course one of the deadliest scoring trios in recent Bundesliga memory; Bosnia and Herzegovina internationals Edin Džeko and Zvjezdan Misimović and Brazilian striker Grafite.

For the recently turned twenty-three year-old Edin Džeko, the climb to prominence has been swift. Now mentioned of virtually every well-financed clubs transfer target the young striker knows the task at hand:

"We’re not thinking about the championship, but it is very nice to be in first place. Still, there are eight games to go until the end of the season. I was of course delighted about my two goals because it helped the team."

Recalling the successful run with Bosnia in their World Cup qualification efforts earlier in the week he added:

"On the whole it was a perfect week for me."

Wölfe crush Bayern

After an extraordinary run as Bayern München coach, Felix Magath was let go in what many consider far too quick of a decision. What Bayern's loss is Wolfsburg's gain as now after taking control of Wölfe since the summer of 2007 the path has been straight up. Saturday afternoon the message of Wolfsburg's growth was loud and clear as Jürgen Klinsmann's Bayern München was devoured 5-1 at Volkswagen Arena. The victory sends Wolfsburg to the top of the Bundesliga with eight matches remaining. With a cursory glance at the schedule it is quite possible that Wolfsburg could extend their present eight match winning streak and run the table without a blemish in the Rückrunde.

With a capacity crowd at cozy Volkswagen Arena, the match started as a touch and go affair. While there were a number of possible chances in the opening phase few would have guessed of the eventual out pouring. As is so often the case Bosnia and Herzegovina international was at the root of Wolfsburgs mark, this time as his corner was nodded in by an unmarked Christian Gentner two minutes before the break. However barely a whisper later, Bastian Schweinsteiger free-kick was headed goal bound by Luca Toni before Wolfsburg 'keeper Diego Benaglio parried the the ball out. However the ball came back the Italian international and he made no mistake leveling the match. With the match level it was time for the other half of Wolfsburg Bosnian connection as Edin Džeko continued his stunning play as he sent Marcel Schäfer cross into the net three minutes past the hour. In retrospect the goal gutted Jürgen Klinsmann's side as three minutes later, just as he had lead his homeland to great victories in World Cup qualifying this week, he severed hope from Bayern's day and made it 3-1. The celebration continued as with sixteen minutes remaining Christian Gentner's through ball found Grafite, who then sent the ball into the net past Michael Rensing. The celebration was cued up three minutes later as the Brazilian striker put together a glorious one man show before stylishly back heeling the ball into the net for a 5-1 victory.

Wolfsburg return to play next Saturday as they travel to face relegation battlers Borussia Mönchengladbach.