VfL Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath was disappointed with his side's 0-0 draw away at FC Augsburg on Friday
VfL Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath was disappointed with his side's 0-0 draw away at FC Augsburg on Friday

'Satisfied but not happy'

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Augsburg - VfL Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath was left disappointed by his side's 0-0 draw at FC Augsburg on Friday evening.

'Better than nothing'

The Wolves might have taken all three points had Thomas Kahlenberg's second-half header found the target, but ultimately the visitors were made to suffice with a share of the spoils.

In view of Matchday 2's disastrous 4-0 thrashing at home to local rivals Hannover 96, the point, and the clean sheet, were at least two positives for VfL coach Magath. "I'm not happy but I'm satisfied," was the 59-year-old's post-match assessment. "[The clean sheet] was important to me."

Brazilian midfielder Diego, back at Wolfsburg after spending last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, endured a difficult evening bearing responsibility for the Wolves' creativity, but also chose to focus on the positives: "A point is better than leaving empty-handed," said the 27-year-old.

Magath's Tinkering


Magath, not a man to shy away from experimentation, sprung a surprise by naming Danish internationals Kahlenberg, a recognised attacking midfielder, and Simon Kjaer, normally a central defender, as his two holding players. It was a selection which raised several eyebrows in the dressing room, with defender Emanuel Pogatetz calling it an "unexpected development".

Yet it seemed to work for the Wolves, according to Diego at least, who was impressed with Kjaer's "strong performance" in an unfamiliar position. Kahlenberg also admitted: "It definitely came as a surprise to me, but I'm here to play football and it was fun playing in that position." Compatriot Kjaer revealed that he had, on occasion, been utilised in central midfield previously in his career, but quickly reiterated that his favoured position remains at the heart of defence.

Fürth in sight


Next weekend the Wolves face newly-promoted Greuther Fürth at the Volkswagen Arena. Mike Büskens side were beaten by FC Schalke 04 on Saturday but, having claimed their first-ever Bundesliga victory away at 1. FSV Mainz 05 two weeks ago, the Clover Leaves will certainly feel an upset is not beyond them in Lower Saxony.

Nonetheless, Wolfsburg will be doubly determined to redeem themselves for the debacle at home to Hannover and keeper Diego Benaglio firmly believes that the demons from that reverse will be banished: "We have to make it up to the fans and the best way to do that is with three points."

Reinhard Kruse reporting from Augsburg