16.03.2014 14:44 h

Football: Allofs demands Wolves toughen up for Champions League

Das halbe Dutzend vollgemacht
Das halbe Dutzend vollgemacht

VfL Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs has told his Bundesliga side to toughen up in their hunt to secure a Champions League berth next season.

Wolves, the 2009 German champions, are sixth in the table and just four points off a Champions League spot, but could only manage a 1-1 draw at bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday.

"We have to learn to fight more. One point against the side bottom of the table isn't enough," fumed Allofs.

"In the first half, we did a few things well, but in the second half we did too many things badly."

Wolves took the lead at Braunschweig when ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo netted a first-half goal, but Eintracht equalised soon after the break through Germany Under-21 international Karim Bellarabi, on loan from Leverkusen.

The draw leaves Wolfsburg winless in their last three games having conceded 13 goals including their 6-2 defeat at Hoffenheim and last weekend's 6-1 drubbing at home to Bayern Munich when they leaked five goals in 17 minutes.

Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio admitted the Braunschweig "draw felt like a defeat" even though they are still amongst the Europa League places.

Wolves, who were last in the Champions League in the 2009/10 season, are still in the hunt for silverware and they face Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup semi-finals at the start of April.

While Wolfsburg dream of Europe, Braunschweig are fighting for survival in Germany's top flight with only three points separating the bottom four teams.

"We're keeping our heads up and don't fear any opponent. Each point is important and will all count towards the final tally," said defender Ermin Bicakcic.