Wolfsburg are already celebrating ahead of Thursday’s game against Everton. The new VfL-Center opened this week. The complex, which is adjacent to the Volkswagen Arena, will house the players and the behind the scenes staff. The complex also includes a new stadium for the women’s and U23 sides – it’s certainly an investment for the future. “It’s a huge step forward for the ongoing development of the club. If you want to improve as a team, the infrastructure needs to reflect your ideals,” said sporting director Klaus Allofs.
Although it has to be said that success on the field is also important at the moment. On Thursday (19:00 CET), Wolfsburg can take another step forward. Wolfsburg can confirm their place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League against current group leaders Everton.
Set back in the league
Wolfsburg will be hoping to bounce back from their first league defeat in a while: They lost 3-2 to Schalke 04 on Saturday but impressed in the second half having gone 3-0 and almost equalised in the final stages. “When you look at how we reacted in the second half, maybe you could say that the defeat will be beneficial for our long-term development,” said Allofs.
The first game against Everton won’t live long in the memory of the Wolfsburg players and supporters: In the first Europa League game of the season, the Wolves lost 4-1 in Goodison Park and showed some naivety. Dieter Hecking’s team have since remedied that. Having picked up two wins against FK Krasnador they know that a draw against the Toffees could see them qualify for the next round; a win would make it certain. “We have the chance to make things right, but we need to play with clear minds and not let Saturday play on our mind,” said Hecking.
Wolfsburg are already celebrating ahead of Thursday’s game against Everton. The new VfL-Center opened this week. The complex, which is adjacent to the Volkswagen Arena, will house the players and the behind the scenes staff. The complex also includes a new stadium for the women’s and U23 sides – it’s certainly an investment for the future. “It’s a huge step forward for the ongoing development of the club. If you want to improve as a team, the infrastructure needs to reflect your ideals,” said sporting director Klaus Allofs.
Although it has to be said that success on the field is also important at the moment. On Thursday (19:00 CET), Wolfsburg can take another step forward. Wolfsburg can confirm their place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League against current group leaders Everton.
Set back in the league
Wolfsburg will be hoping to bounce back from their first league defeat in a while: They lost 3-2 to Schalke 04 on Saturday but impressed in the second half having gone 3-0 and almost equalised in the final stages. “When you look at how we reacted in the second half, maybe you could say that the defeat will be beneficial for our long-term development,” said Allofs.
The first game against Everton won’t live long in the memory of the Wolfsburg players and supporters: In the first Europa League game of the season, the Wolves lost 4-1 in Goodison Park and showed some naivety. Dieter Hecking’s team have since remedied that. Having picked up two wins against FK Krasnador they know that a draw against the Toffees could see them qualify for the next round; a win would make it certain. “We have the chance to make things right, but we need to play with clear minds and not let Saturday play on our mind,” said Hecking.
