01.05.2016 14:43 h

Wolfsburg boss threatens clear-out after slump

Wolfsburg's boss Klaus Allofs has said coach Dieter Hecking will keep his job, but players are set to leave after their latest heavy defeat means no European football next season.

Wolfsburg were routed 5-1 at second-placed Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in the Bundesliga as Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa scored the first and created the second before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came off the bench to score twice.

Despite a run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, including a 2-0 shock home win over Real Madrid before losing 3-0 away in the last eight, Wolfsburg have won just three of their last 18 league games.

They finished second only to Bayern Munich last season in the German league and lifted the German Cup with a convincing 3-1 win over Dortmund in Jurgen Klopp's last game as Borussia's head coach.

But Saturday's crushing defeat at Dortmund left them 10th in the table, ending any hopes of qualifying even for next season's Europa League.

The slump has left Allofs fuming.

"Am I stupid or what?" he angrily asked reporters after the umpteenth enquiry whether Hecking will be replaced after their fourth straight defeat.

"The squad isn't perhaps as good as it's seen from outside. It's mediocre, if not less.

"We'll have to see if we can change things for the last two games and, of course, definitely before next season.

"Last year, we were the second best in Germany. This (recent results) is all nonsense.

"You can't just put in a good year, you need two, three or four.

"The signs are that one or two players will leave for various reasons.

"We can't change anything, the players have contracts, but I think it would make sense to bring in new players and let others follow a different path.

"I think that would be best for a few individuals and us (the club)."

There are several candidates.

Swiss left back, and dead ball specialist, Ricardo Rodriguez has been courted by Real and Manchester United.

World Cup winner Andre Schuerrle has failed to win a regular starting place since signing from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested.

Striker Max Kruse was disciplined by Wolfsburg, and kicked out of the Germany squad in March, for off-field indiscretions including leaving behind 75,000 euros (US$85,852) in a Berlin taxi.

Brazil defender Dante spent the whole 90 minutes of the Dortmund match on the bench.