Cottbus coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz has attacked his own fans for their behaviour following the thrilling 4:4 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. The 61-year-old was reacting to boos directed at Wolfsburg's new signing Fabian Reese during the 2. Bundesliga match.
The game itself was a spectacular affair. VfL Wolfsburg, who invested nearly 30 million euros in new players following relegation from the Bundesliga, found themselves 3:0 down after less than 35 minutes. However, the team managed a remarkable comeback to secure a 4:4 draw, a result that boosts Wolfsburg's early-season standing. With 8 points from 4 games, VfL sits in 4th place in the 2. Bundesliga, with a recent form of DWWD.
The hostility was aimed at Fabian Reese, who transferred from Hertha BSC to VfL Wolfsburg for a fee of approximately eight million euros in the summer. The 28-year-old attacker spent three years in Berlin before moving to Wolfsburg. His contract there was publicly extended back in May 2025. For some supporters, such a move symbolises the loss of romance in football. Reese himself addressed this, saying: "If anyone has lost their faith in football romance because of my transfer, then I am sincerely sorry."
Claus-Dieter Wollitz, the experienced coach of the home side, had no patience for his own fans' actions. "What is that supposed to be? I find that impossible," the 61-year-old said after the match. For him, professional sport also involves respect, regardless of transfers and club changes. His colleague Tobias Strobl, who praised Wollitz for his statements and jokingly called him 'Pelé', explicitly supported this stance.
VfL Wolfsburg has started the season with solid performances. The team, captained by Hauke Wahl, has collected 8 points so far, putting them just 4 points behind league leaders Hertha BSC. Their record shows 2 wins, 2 draws, and no defeats. In attack, the team has already scored 10 goals, but has also conceded 6, resulting in a positive goal difference of +4. The full league table provides an overview of the tightly packed field.
The next challenge awaits on September 12, 2026. VfL will travel to face FC St. Pauli, who are currently in 15th place. This away fixture is the next test for Wolfsburg's ambitions.
The 4:4 draw in Cottbus, where the team fought back from a 3:0 deficit, demonstrates the squad's character. Following the heavy investment in the team, direct promotion back to the Bundesliga is the top priority. Every point is important. The current haul of 8 points from 4 games provides a solid foundation. With 10 goals scored, the attack already has potency, while work continues on defensive stability.
The team must now take the positive energy from the gripping comeback and focus on the clash in Hamburg. A look at the current team statistics reveals more about the strengths and weaknesses in this young season. The next match against St. Pauli on September 12 is the next opportunity to gather points and keep pace with the leaders.
