Stuttgart - Markus Babbel will remain VfB Stuttgart coach for two additional years until 2011, the German Bundesliga club announced on Wednesday.

Babbel, 36, took the job in November after the sacking of Armin Veh on an original contract until the end of the season. He has led the team to fourth place in the league, five points behind leaders VfL Wolfsburg.

The news came a few weeks after the ruling body DFB reformed its coaching licence courses. Babbel needs to obtain such a licence which is mandatory in the country.

"We are happy that we could reach an agreement to continue our cooperation," said Stuttgart sports director Horst Heldt. (dpa)