Wolfsburg hand Kellermann three-year deal

UEFA Women's Champions League holders VfL Wolfsburg have handed coach Ralf Kellermann a new deal for three years until summer 2017.

Kellermann, 45, was to be out of contract in the summer but will now remain both coach and sporting director of a club where he was appointed in 2008. In 2011/12 he led Wolfsburg to a club-best second place, and last season they completed both the domestic double and won the UEFA Women's Champions League at the first attempt, having never previously lifted a major trophy. They are preparing for a quarter-final against FC Barcelona on 23 and 30 March, and stand third in Germany after a rare 3-1 loss at FC Bayern München last week.

"I am very happy about the trust put in me," Kellerman said. "The team's development is far from over. I am glad to continue to be part of this. Together with my staff I will continue to do everything to give us reason to celebrate in the future."

Chief executive Thomas Röttgermann added: "It was, and is, our goal to establish ourselves among the top three sides in Germany on a long-term basis. We are well on our way and definitely want to continue our good working relationship with Ralf Kellermann."