Diego backs stand-in as Wolfsburg revives

Wolfsburg parted ways with Magath on Thursday after the team picked up just five points in eight games, its worst start to a German league season.

Reserve team coach Koestner was promoted to oversee the Bundesliga side and enjoyed a good start as Wolfsburg came away with a convincing 4-1 win at Fortuna Duesseldorf on Saturday.

It moved the club up from bottom place to 16th in the league and broke its run of seven games without a win.

Diego, who made 33 appearances for Brazil, said Koestner enjoyed the confidence of the dressing room as the team ended its four-match losing streak.

"Lorenz is very smart and respectful," the Brazilian told reporters after training, while Wolfsburg fans produced a flag in Duesseldorf with the slogan "More than an interim solution".

"We had no fear of making a mistake - that was wonderful.

"We have to collect the points, then it would be normal for him to stay. I hope that happens."

There was bad blood between Magath and Diego after the midfielder spent last season on loan at Europa League-winner Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian was exiled to Spain after he stormed out on the team after being left on the bench for the last game of the 2010/11 Bundesliga season, but had played all bar one of Wolfsburg's matches this season.

Diego netted a second-half penalty in the 4-1 win after Duesseldorf's midfielder Oliver Fink fouled him in the area before being sent off.

Ivica Olic and Bas Dost scored in the victory and there was little ill will towards Magath after Wolfsburg's victory.

"We must not forget that we also have a lot to thank Felix Magath and his coaching team for," said Koestner, who has said he has no problem returning to coach the Under-23 team if the club wishes to appoint someone else.

"If you take over a team that has suffered four successive defeats, one can not expect that it is full of confidence, but we were very aggressive and ran hard. The goals were a relief."

But Koestner was honest when asked if he wanted to stay on.

"One shouldn't lie. Of course, it is the greatest thing to coach in the Bundesliga," said the 60-year-old.

And after scoring two goals, Dost said Magath's exit had disappointed him.