News Focus
- VfL Wolfsburg held to a 0-0 draw by SC Paderborn in the first leg of the relegation play-off
- Coach Dieter Hecking criticises his team’s sloppy attacking play and missed early chances
- Both teams praised for their strong defensive performances during the tight contest
- The second leg will decide which club secures Bundesliga status for next season
VfL Wolfsburg head coach Dieter Hecking has expressed frustration with his side’s blunt attack following their goalless draw against SC Paderborn. The Bundesliga outfit failed to find the net in the first leg of their relegation play-off on Wednesday evening.
The 61-year-old boss blamed his players for being wasteful in front of goal. He pointed to their carelessness in the final third of the pitch. “We must blame ourselves for being too sloppy near the opponent’s box,” Hecking told reporters after the match.
The Lower Saxony club created several clear opportunities during the early stages. However, they could not convert these chances into goals. Hecking noted that his players lacked quality with their final passes. He also highlighted costly technical errors in dangerous positions.
Despite these attacking struggles, the manager praised both teams for their defensive displays. He admitted that Paderborn defended much better than in their recent German second-tier fixtures. The visitors did not leave gaps for Wolfsburg to exploit.
Hecking also commended his own team’s backline. He stated that his players remained disciplined and organised throughout the contest. They avoided rushing forward and maintained their defensive shape on the pitch.
The manager had predicted tight matches before the tie started. He said the result did not surprise him. The second leg will decide which team secures a place in next season’s Bundesliga.