For the second season in a row Wolfsburg maintained their Bundesliga status with a win in the relegation playoff. Wolfsburg had yet another disappointing season which saw upheaval at all levels, and nearly caused the club to return to the second division.
Three different head coaches took charge of the team this season, yet none of them impressed. Wolfsburg’s performances really did not deserve to see them saved this season and they were once again fortunate that the formula of the relegation playoff is fundamentally flawed.
Dutchman Andries Jonker was the hero last season as he helped save the team from relegation, but he lasted just four matches this term before he was sacked, despite the team not really struggling.
His replacement Martin Schmidt picked up just 3 wins in 19 league matches before deciding to leave the club of his own accord. Final coach Bruno Labaddia waited 6 matches before seeing his first win and hardly looked like the man to take the club forward.
Wolfsburg picked up only one win more than dead last Köln and mainly relied on beating sides around them in the table to stay afloat.
Wolfsburg lost three key players at the start of the season in the form of Ricardo Rodriguez, Luiz Guistavo and top scorer from last season, Mario Gomez. Without those three, there were problems in attack and defence. On loan striker Divock Origi had his moments, but only scored 6 in 31 appearances. Summer signing and club captain Ignacio Camacho played very well over his 11 appearances, but was frequently injured. Only Daniel Didavi can come away with any credit as he scored 9 and assisted 6.
Near the end of the season winger Josip Brekalo showed real potential with 3 goals in 4 starts, and he will be one for the future.
Overall Wolfsburg will hope for a more consistent season next term. Whether Labaddia is the right man to take the team forward will be quickly shown, but they have to eventually stick with someone if the club is to make any progress.
