Magath dimisses Rafinha rumors

(GSM) – Schalke 04 coach Felix Magath has dismissed fresh rumours linking Brazilian defender Rafinha with a move away from the club.

Reports surfaced only hours before Schalke’s game with VfL Bochum yesterday, claiming that a deal had been done for Rafinha to move to VfL Wolfsburg for €14 million.

“There is absolutely no truth in it,” Magath told Liga Total television.

“We had this very same situation six months ago, that somebody somehow knew that Rafinha was moving to Bayern Munich – and that also happened during a Saturday afternoon game.

“Now this jester has decided to do the same all over again, only with a different club.”

As speculation reached its peak last summer, Magath sent Rafinha back to Brazil for a week to take his mind off the transfer talk, although that is unlikely to happen this time.

The Royal Blues are embroiled in a fierce title battle and relinquished a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Bochum yesterday and miss the opportunity to move to the top of the Bundesliga.

“I was happy with my side’s performance for a long time and would rate it positively,” Magath added.

“However, you could see what it means when you have a young team. When you concede two goals like that then it has a lot to do with a lack of experience.”