Felix Magath has returned to coach VfL Wolfsburg just two days after leaving UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists FC Schalke 04.

The 57-year-old will take training on Friday afternoon at Wolfsburg, the team he previously coached between 2007 and 2009, culminating in their first Bundesliga title prior to his departure for Schalke. He replaces Pierre Littbarski, who had taken over as caretaker coach following the departure of Steve McClaren in February. Magath will also assume the role of sporting director at Wolfsburg, with CEO Dieter Hoeness leaving the club.

Wolfsburg, second from bottom in the German top flight and two points from safety with eight games left, face another of Magath's old sides on Sunday, fellow strugglers VfB Stuttgart. Former West Germany midfielder Magath has also coached Hamburger SV, 1. FC Nürnberg, Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern München.