VfL Wolfsburg have made an unusual addition to their backroom staff by appointing Hinnerk Smolka as team coach. The 43-year-old sports scientist will strengthen shared responsibility within the professional squad and maximize existing performance potential, as the club announced in an official statement.
The appointment comes at an important stage of the season for the Bundesliga relegation club. Under manager Tobias Strobl, the team sits third in the 2. Bundesliga with seven points from three matches. They trail league leaders 1. FC Nürnberg by just two points. Their record shows two wins and one draw, having scored six goals while conceding only two.
Hinnerk Smolka brings extensive experience from professional sports. The 43-year-old has worked as a team coach for professional teams and companies since 2008. His role involves identifying and use team dynamics and processes at an early stage. Smolka will support the new manager of the Volkswagen club, Tobias Strobl, in his work.
VfL boss Dieter Hecking explained the appointment to Bild Sport. "It is our ambition to create optimal conditions in all areas surrounding the team," said the 61-year-old executive. The club is responding to the particular demands of the 2. Bundesliga and aims to mobilize all available resources.
The hiring arrives at a time when Wolfsburg are showing solid early form. Tobias Strobl's side remains unbeaten in the league. Previously, the club progressed to the second round of the DFB-Pokal with a 9:8 penalty shootout victory against VSG Altglienicke.
Smolka himself describes his approach in clear terms. "Success is created together. Strong cohesion and strength usually only prove themselves when it matters," stated the new team coach. His work should help the players act as a unit even in difficult moments. Fans can follow the squad's development on our Squad page.
The next challenge awaits on December 5, 2026. VfL Wolfsburg will then host 1. FC Magdeburg at their home stadium. Magdeburg currently sits fifth in the table and promises a demanding contest. The full schedule is available on our Fixtures page.
Smolka's integration into the coaching staff begins immediately. The team coach will start working with the squad right away to implement his methods. The current league standing and detailed statistics are available in our Standings overview. The focus now shifts to preparing for the home match against Magdeburg, which represents an important test for their promotion ambitions.
