Wolfsburg’s Magath plans winter transfer raid

Felix Magath said on Tuesday that struggling Wolfsburg are set to splash out in the winter transfer window to strengthen the squad following their hammering at champions Borussia Dortmund.

The 2009 German champions suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat last Saturday that left Wolfsburg 13th in the Bundesliga, three points from the relegation zone, and Magath has pledged reinforcements in the January transfer window.

"The worse the results are, the greater the pressure to do something about it," said Magath.

The Wolfsburg coach said he would like to bring in "two, four or five new players" during the Bundesliga's winter break, which starts on December 18.

Having spent big on stars including Raul from Real Madrid and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from AC Milan while at former club Schalke, Magath has earned a reputation for turning to the transfer market in times of trouble.

Magath, 58, was sacked by Schalke in March, but took over Wolfsburg in March and saved the club from relegation in May, having coached them to the title in 2009.

Magath spent 21 million euros ($29m) over the summer to bring in 13 new players, including ex-Arsenal winger Alexander Hleb plus midfielders Hasan Salihamidzic and former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger.

His signings have not worked out as planned, but his aim remains to get Wolves back into the Champions League.

"The goal is to win a European place and I need players who are ready immediately, without an adjustment period," he said.