Football Season Guide

Wolfsburg only maintained their Bundesliga status in the relegation play-off last term after a disastrous season. One of the main reasons that the former league and cup winners were in such difficulties had to do with the instability caused by firing two coaches during the campaign. At the start of this season Andries Jonker remains in charge but his position is not that strong and he will have to prove himself early on or risk also being let go. Wolfsburg had problems at both ends of the pitch. Mario Gomez was by far their top scorer last season and scored almost half of the team’s goals but he drastically needs support this term. Unfortunately the only other options in attack are teenagers so the attacking midfield players behind Gomez will have a responsibility to help find the net. The majority of the first team signings have been made in defence though which includes a couple of players signed from other Bundesliga sides who should be able to contribute straight away. John Brooks will join Jeffrey Bruma and Robin Knoche at the heart of the back four while Paul Verhaegh, signed from Augsburg, could be the regular right-back the squad has needed for the last two seasons. The midfield was the strongest area of the team over the last few seasons. There has also been an addition there as Ignacio Camacho has joined from La Liga side Malaga to replace Luiz Gustavo but there will be some pressure on the Spaniard to hit the ground running as he replaces a crucial member of the squad. Wolfsburg have a squad which on paper looks very strong and contains a number of international players. Last season showed that no side is too good to be relegated from the Bundesliga though and Wolfsburg could find themselves battling in the bottom half of the table again. However, the goal will be to have a season of stability which would include keeping hold of their coach and avoiding the off-field drama that embroiled the team at times last season.