Magath extends Stuttgart stay

VfB Stuttgart coach Felix Magath, who led his team to second place in the Bundesliga which earned automatic qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League, has extended his contract with the club until 2007.

Transfer budget
Magath, who joined Stuttgart in February 2001, had initially hesitated on a new deal until he was given reassurances about how much financial backing he would receive from the board. However, having been told that he has a budget of €5m to extend the contracts of talented youngsters Kevin Kuranyi, Andreas Hinkel and Ioannis Amanatidis and bring in new players, the 49-year old coach agreed to stay.

Increased responsibility
Magath has also officially been handed the title of team manager, meaing he is solely responsible for the on-pitch development of the side. "I wanted the responsibility," he said. "It is important that decisions considering the squad are in my hand alone."