VfL coach Daniel Bauer: Humanity and new goals in the anniversary season

VfL coach Daniel Bauer: Humanity and new goals in the anniversary season

At VfL Wolfsburg, everything currently revolves around Daniel Bauer, who has started his tenth season as coach of the U19s. The 42-year-old, who once worked as an assistant coach at Hannover 96 in the U23 team, is now a fixture in the club's youth team. He says about his move to Wolfsburg: “It was a big step for me and my family.” They have found their home in Gifhorn, where they now live. His ambitious goals for the current season are clear: “I want to acquire the pro license and develop the young players individually,” explains Bauer, emphasizing the importance of humanity in the training process.

Daniel Bauer is not only known for his coaching successes, but also for his calm, level-headed manner. "I have changed over the years. I used to be more impulsive and often received cards," he reveals. The style of his team also plays a role in his anniversary season; Bauer relies on offensive football and encourages his players to work hard - even when setbacks come.

Sporting highlights and challenges

Under Bauer's leadership, the team has already celebrated some successes. A particularly outstanding experience was winning the championship with the U19s in their first year. The regional league title with the U23 is also one of his sporting highlights. International trips, such as participation in the Premier League International Cup and training camps in Florida and Abu Dhabi, broadened the young coaching team's perspectives. On the other hand, the painful moment of relegation to the 3rd league against the Bayern amateurs in the 2018/2019 season, which ended in defeat, remains in memory. Such experiences shape Bauer’s development and approach to his work.

Today, youth work is of central importance not only for Wolfsburg, but for all of German professional football. More and more Bundesliga clubs are relying on foreign talent to strengthen their squad. An analysis by monami.hs-mittweida.de shows that the German national teams have lost touch with the world's best. The causes are diverse, but are increasingly being discussed in the youth sector. Improving quality in youth training centers is becoming more and more of an issue.

A trainer with vision

As coach of VfL Wolfsburg's U19s, Daniel Bauer is in the fortunate position of being able to look back on close relationships with his former players such as Anton Stach and Omar Marmoush. He follows their development with great interest. It is precisely these human relationships and experiences that are important to him. “Above all, I want to be human,” he emphasizes, thereby clarifying his philosophy in coaching work. Bauer has clear plans for the future: He wants to accompany and support the next generation not only in sports, but also personally.

The coming months will show how the team will develop. But one thing is certain: with Daniels Bauer at the helm, the VfL academy has a solid foundation for the future.