German title joy for departing Magath

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath was ecstatic after guiding his side to a first-ever Bundesliga title.

A crushing 5-1 home win over Werder Bremen clinched the crown in style, as the Wolves finished two points clear of reigning champions Bayern Munich.

"It is a dream has come true," Magath beamed after the final whistle. "I knew we were good, but I didn't think we had a chance to win the title. We've put in strong performances all season and I believe we deserved to win the championship.

"It has been wonderful how the squad played over the final stages of the season. I never thought we would be able to become German champions."

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg wasted little time in naming the successor to Magath, who has decided to take charge at Schalke next season.

Armin Veh will take charge at the Volkswagen Arena, having previously led VfB Stuttgart to the title in 2006-07.

The 48-year-old was in charge of Stuttgart for almost three years, before being sacked last November following a 4-1 defeat by Wolfsburg.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich's interim coach Jupp Heynckes paid tribute to Wolfsburg after they pipped his side to the Bundesliga crown.

Reigning champions Bayern finished two points adrift of their rivals despite a 2-1 final-day win at home to Stuttgart, with Heynckes having few complaints.

"I have got to say that I have enjoyed it from the very beginning," he said. "It is a shame that the title was already out of reach, but if we had only got a few games more then maybe we had the chance to reach the top.

"Nevertheless, I think Wolfsburg deserved it. I think if you evaluate the whole of the season, then you have got to say that Wolfsburg deserve to be German champions.

"Above all, for the second half of the season, in which they have played great football. Congratulations to them and coach Felix Magath."

Meanwhile, Bayern have set their sights on signing VfB Stuttgart's star striker Mario Gomez this summer.

The 23-year-old Germany international scored 24 goals in the Bundesliga season just ended, rising to the top of Bayern's wish-list in the process.

General manager Uli Hoeness told DSF: "We will start talks next week and then we will see what comes of it. I would say he is a very interesting player and I am relatively optimistic."

Gomez has 33 goals in all competitions to his name this season, having also netted six times in the UEFA Cup and three times in the DFB-Pokal.