VfL Wolfsburg were relegated from the Bundesliga in 2026 after 29 consecutive years in the top flight. The club now sits fifth in the 2. Bundesliga with eight points from two wins, two draws, and one loss. A 1-0 defeat at FC St. Pauli last weekend highlighted the competitive nature of the second division. Throughout this period of change, the VfL Academy, located next to the Volkswagen Arena, has remained a foundational pillar.
It produced the club's longest-serving captain. The academy was previously led by Pablo Thiam before Jochen Sauer took over. Sauer has since moved on to become youth director at Bayern Munich. The academy's work is considered a core part of the club's identity, even as the first team suffered relegation.
Current Second Division Status
Under manager Niko Kovač, the team has begun the season with two wins, two draws, and one defeat. They have scored ten goals and conceded seven, for a goal difference of plus three. The next challenge is a home fixture against 16th-placed SV Darmstadt 98 this Friday. A look at the standings shows Wolfsburg are seven points behind leaders Hertha BSC. Recent results, including a 4-4 draw with Energie Cottbus and a 5-2 win at Karlsruher SC, demonstrate attacking potency alongside defensive vulnerability.
The current top scorer is Fabian Reese with three goals. Meanwhile, the academy continues as a central component of the club's future strategy. Its focus remains on preparing young players for the professional game and shaping the club's long-term identity. The next league match against Darmstadt kicks off on September 18 at 6:30 PM.
