A new wind at VfL Wolfsburg: Paul Simonis introduced as head coach!

A new wind at VfL Wolfsburg: Paul Simonis introduced as head coach!

There was high excitement in the Volkswagen Arena on July 1, 2025, as VfL Wolfsburg introduced its new head coach: Paul Simonis. The 40-year-old Dutchman took the stage and responded to the expectations placed on him with a positive attitude. Mayor Dennis Weilmann, the management and numerous media representatives were present. Simonis, who has completed a language crash course in German, chose a bilingual greeting and also let his good English shine through as he described the team as a “terrific club” during his presentation.

Simonis will take over the coaching position after Ralph Hasenhüttl, who was already considered a preferred candidate before him, but was dismissed after the disappointing performance in the last few games. VfL's ambitions are clear: a return to international competitions is on the agenda after only finishing eleventh and twelfth in the last two seasons. Managing Director Sport Peter Christiansen hopes that Simonis will bring about a decisive change and described him as “the best coach from a list of up-and-coming coaches”, which means that the expectations of the new coach are correspondingly high. Simonis signed a contract until June 30, 2027 and emphasizes that he is ready for the challenge.

A new approach

Simonis' plans for the coming season include a style of play with dominant football and controlled build-up play. He attaches great importance to the development of youth players and plans individual training sessions to improve performance. “There is something there,” he says, because he knows that reviving the competitive spirit in the squad is important, especially since it is to be radically reduced in size. There are currently only two new signings confirmed and it is expected that local talent will get a chance on the big stage.

What happens after the performance? Performance tests are on the agenda next week, followed by a public training session on July 9th, which both fans and media are looking forward to. The commitment of Diego Benaglio, the former goalkeeper, in a new role is also causing a stir and is intended to support the club's sporting development.

A trainer with vision

Although Simonis does not have a professional background as a player, his career as a physiotherapist puts him in a special position. Through his in-depth knowledge of the body and the game, he has gained numerous insights that he now wants to incorporate into football. His role models include well-known coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Marcelo Bielsa and Luis Henrique. He wants to lead the team to success with a “blank piece of paper”.

The anticipation for the new season is palpable in Simonis, and many hope that he can turn things around. The fans of VfL Wolfsburg are also optimistic about the challenges ahead and have high hopes for the new coach. If everything goes smoothly, Wolfsburg could soon be back on the European football map.

With Paul Simonis, VfL Wolfsburg has brought a coach on board who brings a breath of fresh air and new ideas to the club. He describes himself as a family man and competitive type who enjoys mountain biking in his free time. The coming weeks will show whether his philosophy and approach can bring the club back the success it longs for.

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