Vice-champions Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday granted U19 coach Hannes Wolf's wish to be released from his contract. The 35-year-old tactician has been appointed as the new head coach at VfB Stuttgart.

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"Hannes Wolf has done great work at BVB and helped to develop a lot of young talents. We owe him a big thank-you! We could not and would not deny him the career opportunity that has now come his way," explained Sporting Director Michael Zorc.

Hannes Wolf, who has been at Borussia Dortmund since 2009, steered the U17s to the German Championship in 2014 and 2015 before winning the national title again with the same group at U19-level in 2016.

"It was an unbelievable journey with fantastic people and players, without whom this step would never have been possible. Heartfelt thanks to Borussia Dortmund for the more than seven years together," said the outgoing coach, whom BVB wish all the best and every success in the next phase of his career.

Hannes Wolf was once on the verge of a playing career at 1. FC Nürnberg, but a bout of glandular fever and various injuries prevented him from breaking through. As a player-coach he led Dortmund-based local club SC Aplerbeck from the District League into the Westphalian League, before completing the switch to Borussia Dortmund in summer 2009. He initially worked as co-coach of the second team and as a link between the youths, amateurs and first team, before later becoming the responsible and successful coach of junior teams that won three German Championships in the A and B youth categories between 2014 and 2016. (br)