VfL Wolfsburg is facing significant personnel issues at the start of the new 2. Bundesliga season. Four players from the starting lineup are unavailable for the team. These absences come after a turbulent transfer window that saw over 20 professionals leave the club and approximately 70 million euros received in transfer fees.
The team coached by Dieter Hecking currently sits in 4th place in the table with eight points from four matches. Their record shows two wins and two draws with a goal difference of plus four. However, Wolfsburg conceded nine goals in its first three games of the season. The recent 4:4 draw against FC Energie Cottbus at the VW-Arena, where they surrendered a two-goal lead, showed this weakness. Fans witnessed the spectacular draw.
The exact names of the four missing key players were not detailed, but the departures shape the current situation. One of the most prominent exits is center-back Moritz Jenz, who transferred to Swiss club Young Boys Bern. Manager Dieter Hecking, often referred to simply as 'Boss', must reorganize his defensive setup. The numerous departures have left gaps that could not all be filled immediately.
In addition to the sporting challenges, seven other Wolfsburg professionals face an uncertain future. Talks are already underway regarding a new contract for one of these players. The current club squad list is therefore likely to change in the coming weeks.
The numbers speak for themselves: nine goals conceded in three games is too many for a team with promotion ambitions. The 4:4 against Cottbus was a setback where two points were dropped. Hecking and his team urgently need to bring more stability to their back line. Historically, the duel with Energie Cottbus was known for high-scoring results as far back as 16 years ago.
The defensive problems are all the more concerning as VfL is only four points behind league leaders Hertha BSC in the table, keeping them in the promotion race. An improved defense could make the difference. The current team stats clearly indicate a need for action here.
Beyond the immediate sporting crisis, there are also discussions off the pitch. The VfL fan association demanded clarification from Hertha BSC regarding insulting chants directed at Fabian Reese. Such incidents provide additional distraction for the club management.
In an opinion column, Andreas Pahlmann critically analyzed VfL's relegation and subsequent squad planning. The many departures and the associated financial gain of around 70 million euros raise questions about the sustainability of the rebuild. A local Wolfsburg football club, incidentally, withdrew early from competition without having completed a single training session, a curiosity alongside the major concerns of the professional club.
The focus now shifts to the next fixture. On September 12, 2026, VfL Wolfsburg travels to face FC St. Pauli, who are currently in 15th place in the table. This match is the next opportunity to address the defensive shortcomings and climb higher in the standings.
