Eriksen is also disappointed
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At some point, all that was left of the fans’ support for their VfL Wolfsburg was malice. When Andreas Skov Olsen shot the ball high and far over the goal in the 0:3 (0:1) defeat against VfB Stuttgart, there was mocking applause from parts of the long-patient supporters.
The substitute Dane’s missed shot in the 73rd minute was symbolic of Wolfsburg’s dismal performance. If Stuttgart had used their chances more consistently, it would have been a debacle for VfL. VfB didn’t even play outstandingly. But he didn’t need it because he wasn’t challenged at all. VfL Wolfsburg’s fourth defeat in the Bundesliga in a row, the second frightening performance after the 1:3 at FC Augsburg two weeks ago: nothing is going on at the Volkswagen club at the moment.
“Losing is never nice,” said coach Paul Simonis. “I understand that the fans are disappointed with how we played the last two games. We have to show a reaction now.” The 40-year-old Dutchman seemed as perplexed as his team had previously been on the pitch. Because where should this reaction come from? Everything was missing against VfB: will to fight, creativity, consistency, danger.
“You always feel pressure, but that’s because you want to give the best possible performance. If that doesn’t work, the pressure comes, and that’s logical,” admitted Simonis and practiced constructive optimism: “I think that despite the bad start to the season, we had a lot of moments that made me feel good.”
VfL Wolfsburg: Sports director Schindzielorz avoids coaching discussion
The question gradually arises as to how long those responsible for sport will have patience with Simonis. Sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz initially tried to avoid a coaching discussion: “I think anyone who was here in the stadium today saw that it wasn’t a coaching issue, but that we were simply inferior to Stuttgart in eleven positions and had no chance of really getting into the game.” The ex-professional called on everyone to take personal responsibility: “Everyone should start with themselves and see that we simply have better performance.”
In the current situation, one can only feel sorry for Simonis. Before the season he came as a hopeful coach of Go Ahead Eagles Deventer with the recommendation of a surprising cup victory in the Netherlands. He should make the Wolfsburg squad, which has once again undergone massive restructuring, ready for the European Cup. A risk that hasn’t paid off so far. The present reads as Table-15. after seven match days it was more of a relegation battle. It would be unfair to blame Simonis alone for the misery. The reasons why Wolfsburg are falling short of their own expectations are more complex.
After Oliver Glasner left in 2021, far more prominent coaches than Simonis also failed. The most famous example, ahead of Ralph Hasenhüttl or Mark van Bommel, is Niko Kovac, who now works successfully at Borussia Dortmund. Simonis’ points average of exactly 1.0 is below that of his predecessors, who were also only moderately successful. Five points after seven league games were also recorded under Kovac in 2022/23 – after that the Wolves got the turn. At VfL there is a lack of continuity in the coaching position, in the squad, in the game idea and in the game system.
Can the VfL Wolfsburg squad fight relegation?
Sports director Peter Christiansen, who has been in office since 2024, has to ask himself whether he was right when putting together the squad. This also applies to the signing of his Danish compatriot Christian Eriksen. The 33-year-old was once one of the best midfielders in Europe. After his starting eleven debut against Stuttgart, there are doubts about how he can help Lower Saxony. “I think it’s not easy when you start a game in which your opponent is so much stronger,” Simonis defended the veteran.
In the coming weeks there will be a relegation battle with games against the strong newcomers Hamburger SV, against the resurgent TSG Hoffenheim and against the surprise bag Werder Bremen. “If you have five points after seven games, then every critical comment is absolutely justified,” said Schindzielorz. “We still have confidence in our boys.”