VfL Wolfsburg under scrutiny: After defeat there is a risk of squad cuts!

VfL Wolfsburg under scrutiny: After defeat there is a risk of squad cuts!

VfL Wolfsburg started the summer break with a little setback. In the final phase of preparation, the team suffered two defeats against Brighton. The B-Elf lost 0:1, while the supposedly best line-up lost 1:2. These results marked the fourth friendly defeat in a row, which ruffled feathers around Wolves.

Coach Paul Simonis announced a comprehensive squad reduction after the last game. The squad currently has an impressive 30 players, which seems too confusing to those responsible. “In a large group, some people don’t feel like they’re part of the team,” said Simonis. This means: There is something going on and it is time for clear decisions.

Squad restructuring in full swing

In order to streamline the squad for the upcoming Bundesliga season, some departures are necessary. Players who could potentially leave VfL include Aster Vranckx, Rogerio, Vaclav Cerny and Moritz Jentz. There is a clear plan: VfL urgently needs reinforcements on the offensive and on the right side of defense. Manager Peter Christiansen and sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz have already successfully closed numerous construction sites, but the challenge remains great.

There is also an oversupply on the outside lanes. Seven candidates are fighting for two positions, which further complicates the situation. In the coming days, those responsible will have to decide who will support the team in the important phase of the start of the league and who will have to go.

A look at the last test match

In the last duel against Espanyol Barcelona, ​​VfL appeared more dangerous at the beginning of the second half. Rafael Bauza had a good opportunity, but it was spectacularly saved by Wolfsburg goalkeeper Pavao Pervan. In the 62nd minute, a handball in their own penalty area led to a penalty for the Spaniards, which Roberto Fernandez was able to convert. Despite further efforts, the final whistle announced a disappointing 0-1 for Wolfsburg.

2,863 spectators watched the action in the AOK Stadium. The referee Felix Bickel had a comprehensive overview of the game, which also resulted in a few yellow cards. Wolfsburg's Patrick Wimmer missed the chance to equalize in the 68th minute, and VfL also missed a header chance in the final phase, which was again parried by Espanyol's keeper.

Time is of the essence: the league will start in the not too distant future and the Wolves have to go into the new season well prepared. It remains exciting to see how VfL Wolfsburg will cope with the current situation and which players will ultimately remain part of the squad.

For further details on VfL's performance in preparation and upcoming transfers, visit the reporting from Wolf's blog and VfL Wolfsburg. Further information about the league and the upcoming games can also be found on Yahoo Sports.