Wolfsburg ruin Klopps farewell party
AFP
AFP, BERLIN: Jurgen Klopp was denied a title on his final appearance as Borussia Dortmund head coach on Saturday when Wolfsburg claimed a 3-1 victory in the German Cup final.
Dortmunds plans to send Klopp off in style after seven years in charge were spoiled by first-half goals from Wolfsburgs Luiz Gustavo, Kevin de Bruyne and Bas Dost to give their club a first cup final victory.
Having led Dortmund to the 2013 Champions League final after winning the Bundesliga in 2011 and claiming the German league and cup double in 2012, this was Klopps final bow before Thomas Tuchel takes over next season.
The defeat means Dortmund must now go through the qualifying rounds for the Europa League having missed the chance to claim a direct entry had they won the final.
Dortmund fans chanted Klopps name after the final whistle, but he said it was little comfort after the defeat.
Wolfsburg finished second only to Bayern Munich in the German league this season and claimed their first German cup title in their 69-year history, exactly 20 years after reaching their last final.
Dortmund took an early lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Wolves roared back with three goals in 16 first-half minutes to spoil Dortmunds party plans at Berlins Olympic Stadium.
It was the first time goal-line technology was used in Germany, but there was no doubt about any of the four goals in a frenetic first-half.
De Bruyne, as he has been all season, was outstanding and the attacking midfielder was a constant menace to the Dortmund defence.
Borussia drew first blood when Aubameyang drilled home Shinji Kagawas final pass from close range with just five minutes gone.
It was the 24th goal of what has been an outstanding season in all competitions for the Gabon striker, who has scored in all four rounds of the cup on Dortmunds march to their third final in five years.
