German champions VfL Wolfsburg have sacked coach Armin Veh after the 3-2 home loss to lowly 1. FC Köln on Sunday extended their winless run to nine games in all competitions.

Difficult decision
The defeat left the Lower Saxony outfit in tenth place in the table and in serious danger of failing to qualify for European competition next term via the league. Veh had only been in the post since May having succeeded the Wolves' title-winning coach Felix Magath on a two-year deal. "It was not an easy decision for the board, but the negative experiences of the past [few] weeks forced us to act," chairman of the board, Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, said.

'Not convinced'
Wolfsburg have struggled in defence all season, their tally of 38 goals conceded only topped by bottom-placed Hertha BSC Berlin. Dieter Hoeness, the Wolfsburg general manager, added: "Nine games without a win and 38 goals conceded in the league speak volumes. We were not convinced anymore that we could change the situation together with Armin Veh in the foreseeable future." Reserve-team coach Lorenz-Günther Köstner has been placed in temporary charge and is expected to still be in the role for the league game at Hamburger SV on Friday. Wolfsburg meet Villarreal CF in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on 18 and 25 February.