Werder Bremen prolonged deal for long-serving coach Thomas Schaaf by a further two years until June2012.

Werder manager Klaus Allofs said Monday Schaaf has proven "over many years that he is a very important factor in our success with his ability to improve teams and players".

The 48-year-old has been Bremen coach since May 1999. The club won the Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2004.

Last season, Bremen won the cup again and made it to the final of the UEFA Cup. It is currently fourth in the Bundesliga.