News Focus
- SC Paderborn 07 host VfL Wolfsburg in the decisive second leg of the Bundesliga relegation-promotion playoff
- The first leg ended goalless despite Wolfsburg dominating possession and shots at Volkswagen Arena
- Paderborn aim for a third-ever Bundesliga campaign while Wolfsburg fight to avoid first relegation in 29 years
- Home Deluxe Arena will host the Monday evening clash that decides top-flight status
- Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking faces an uncertain future as his short-term contract nears its end
SC Paderborn 07 stand on the brink of history. The 2. Bundesliga side welcome VfL Wolfsburg for the second leg of their relegation-promotion playoff on Monday night. The match takes place at Home Deluxe Arena.
Paderborn have tasted Bundesliga football only twice in their 119-year existence. They reached the top division in 2014/15 and 2019/20. However, they finished bottom on both occasions and dropped back down immediately. Now, they hope to secure a longer stay in the top flight.
The first leg produced a tense 0-0 draw at Volkswagen Arena. Wolfsburg controlled the match completely. They managed 17 shots compared to Paderborn’s two. They also enjoyed 63% of the ball. However, Paderborn goalkeeper Dennis Seimen produced several outstanding saves to keep his team level. One crucial stop denied Adam Daghim from close range.
Ralf Kettemann leads Paderborn into this crucial battle. The 39-year-old coach took charge of his first senior season this year. He expressed delight with the first leg result. “If everything had gone to plan, we might have scored a late winner,” he told reporters. He praised the home support ahead of the return leg. “Our fans will carry us in our stadium,” he said.
Kettemann recognises the difficult task ahead. He described Wolfsburg as “different quality” during his Sunday press conference. He noted that the Wolves have climbed into the top eight during their last five Bundesliga matches. “We know that Wolfsburg is alive,” he warned.
The young coach demands passion from his players. He wants better possession control on Monday. “Attitude, passion, team spirit, will – all of that has to return,” he stated. He also revealed preparations for a potential penalty shootout. “The players should take the marble again,” he joked, referring to spot-kick practice.
Regarding his own journey from academy football to this high-pressure moment, Kettemann remains focused. “I want to enjoy it consciously,” he said. “I try not to reminisce too much.”
The manager appealed directly to local supporters. “To all Paderborners: Seize the moment. We need some serious euphoria!” he declared.
Paderborn face some selection headaches. Left-back Jonah Sticker misses out through suspension. He received two yellow cards in nine minutes during the first leg. Filipino defender Raphael Obermair remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury. He will not return until mid-July at the earliest. Centre-back Marcel Hoffmeier could feature briefly despite recovering from a serious knee injury suffered last August. Kettemann suggested Hoffmeier could play some minutes but not the full 90 or 120 minutes.
On the opposite side, VfL Wolfsburg fight to preserve their top-flight status. The club has spent 29 years in the Bundesliga without suffering relegation. They won this playoff in 2016/17 against Eintracht Braunschweig.
Dieter Hecking manages the Wolves on a short-term contract. This marks his final press conference in his current role. He criticised his team’s finishing after the first leg. “We were too sloppy in the final third,” he admitted. He praised Paderborn’s defensive organisation. “They did not open up the spaces,” he explained.
Despite the frustration, Hecking expected a tight contest. “We knew that these would be two very tight games,” he said. He remains confident ahead of the trip to Paderborn. “We are in good mental shape,” he confirmed. “We have every chance of staying in this league.”
The 61-year-old dismissed concerns about the goalless first leg. “There is far too much interpretation being put into that result,” he stated. “We will play with the conviction that we can win.”
Hecking promised tactical adjustments but no major changes. “It is all about positioning with and without the ball,” he said. “The approach might change a little.”
Wolfsburg’s injury list is lengthy. Nine players will miss the match. Yannick Gerhardt and Patrick Wimmer face short-term absences with calf and muscle problems. Maximilian Arnold remains out with a groin issue. Cleiton Santos, Rogério, Jenson Seelt, Kilian Fischer, and Jonas Wind are also unavailable.