• VfL Wolfsburg have appointed Tobias Strobl as their new head coach
• The 38-year-old has signed a contract until June 2028
• He joins from third-tier side SC Verl after a successful season
• Sporting director Dieter Hecking praised Strobl’s energy and vision

VfL Wolfsburg have named Tobias Strobl as their new head coach. The German club made the announcement this week. Strobl joins from SC Verl, a team in the third division.

The 38-year-old has agreed to a long-term deal. His contract will run until 30 June, 2028. Wolfsburg recently dropped down from the top flight to the second tier of German football.

Dieter Hecking, the club’s sporting director, led the search for a new manager. He worked with Pirmin Schwegler to find the right candidate. Hecking said they spoke with many people before choosing Strobl.

Hecking praised the new coach for his fresh approach. He noted that Strobl brings strong ideas about the game. Despite his young age, he has already gained valuable experience.

Strobl previously worked at FC Augsburg. There, he focused on moving young players from the academy into the first team. His work helped connect the youth setup with the senior side.

Last season, Strobl achieved great success with SC Verl. The team finished sixth in the third division. This was the highest league position in the club’s history. They also won the Westphalia Cup. This was their first victory in that competition for 19 years.

• VfL Wolfsburg want SC Verl coach Tobias Strobl as their new manager.
• Dieter Hecking has left the dugout to become the club’s managing director.
• Strobl, aged 38, guided Verl to sixth place in the 2025-26 campaign.
• The Bundesliga club has drawn up a long list of potential candidates.
• Other names include coaches from Southampton, Rangers, and St. Pauli.

VfL Wolfsburg are plotting a move for SC Verl manager Tobias Strobl. The Bundesliga club need a new boss after Dieter Hecking moved into an office role.

Reports from RevierSport claim that officials at the Volkswagen Arena view the 38-year-old as a strong option. Strobl has impressed during his time in the third tier. He led Verl to a sixth-place finish last term. They finished just outside the promotion play-off positions.

Hecking recently became Wolfsburg’s new managing director. This change forced the club to look for a fresh voice on the touchline. Strobl fits the profile of a young, upwardly mobile coach.

However, the Lower Saxony outfit are keeping their options open. Several other tacticians remain under consideration. Tonda Eckert of Southampton and Enrico Maaßen of FC St. Gallen have both been linked with the post.

The shortlist also features some familiar names. Dino Toppmöller and St. Pauli’s Alexander Blessin are options. Danny Röhl from Rangers and LASK boss Dietmar Kühbauer have also been mentioned. Wolfsburg hope to make a decision before pre-season training begins.

• Dieter Hecking swaps touchline duties for sporting director role starting June 1st
• New contract runs until 2028 following successful relegation rescue mission
• Former interim coach chose administrative career over continued management
• Play-off victory against SC Paderborn still weighs heavily on the 60-year-old

VfL Wolfsburg have confirmed that Dieter Hecking will remain at the club in a new capacity. The 60-year-old recently guided the Wolves to safety in the Bundesliga. He secured their top-flight status with a victory in the relegation play-off against SC Paderborn.

Starting on June 1st, Hecking will take over as the managing director for sport. He has signed a contract that runs until 2028. This marks a permanent shift from the dugout to the boardroom for the experienced German.

Hecking revealed that he faced a difficult choice about his future. He had to decide between staying on the touchline or moving into an office role. He explained that he made this decision with complete confidence. He now looks forward to the challenges that come with running the sporting side of the club.

However, the new director admitted that the recent struggle still affects him emotionally. He expressed deep gratitude to the club’s supervisory board. He also thanked officials Diego Benaglio and Pirmin Schwegler for their trust and support during the transition.

• VfL Wolfsburg drop to 2. Bundesliga for the first time in 29 years following play-off heartbreak
• Volkswagen announces major review of financial backing for the club
• High-profile stars including Christian Eriksen and Mohamed Amoura set for summer exits
• Club plans to slash squad budget from €80 million down to €55 million
• Future of interim manager Dieter Hecking remains uncertain after relegation

VfL Wolfsburg have suffered a historic relegation from Germany’s top flight. The club lost 2-1 to SC Paderborn in a tense promotion play-off clash on Monday evening. This defeat ends their 29-year stay in the Bundesliga.

The team must now prepare for life in the second division. This marks the first time the Volkswagen-owned outfit has faced the drop since they joined the elite level nearly three decades ago.

The consequences will be severe. Oliver Blume, chief executive of Volkswagen, stated in March that the company would review its investment. The car manufacturer faces its own money troubles. Blume warned that Wolfsburg’s poor results meant the project needed fresh evaluation.

Club bosses must now act quickly. They face a busy transfer window and many tough decisions. The playing squad will see major changes. Most players have contracts that continue in the second tier. However, relegation clauses will cut wages by 35 percent. Many stars will still cost too much for second-tier football.

Several big names will leave. Algeria forward Mohamed Amoura, Greece defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, Poland goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, Austria winger Patrick Wimmer, and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen are all expected to depart. The club plans to reduce its squad budget from €80 million to €55 million.

The coaching situation is also uncertain. Dieter Hecking became interim boss in March. He may not keep his job. He told Sky Sports that he needs time to think after the play-off loss.

Hecking might become the new sporting director. The club sacked Peter Christiansen from that role in March. However, relegation could change these plans. Wolfsburg now face a summer full of uncertainty and hard choices.

• VfL Wolfsburg suffer relegation to Bundesliga 2 after losing the play-off final against SC Paderborn.
• Joakim Mæhle received a red card in the 14th minute, forcing Wolfsburg to play with ten men for most of the match.
• Coach Dieter Hecking claims the referee made a harsh decision and lacked feel for the game.
• Wolfsburg took the lead three minutes after half-time but could not hold on against the second-tier side.
• Paderborn secured their place in next season’s Bundesliga with the victory.

VfL Wolfsburg have dropped out of the Bundesliga following a painful 2-1 defeat after extra time. The club lost to SC Paderborn on Monday evening in the second leg of the promotion-relegation play-off.

The match turned against the Wolves after only fourteen minutes. Danish defender Joakim Mæhle received his second yellow card, and the referee sent him off. This left Wolfsburg with ten players for nearly the entire clash.

Despite this setback, the home side took the lead three minutes into the second half. However, Paderborn fought back to force extra time. The visitors then scored the winning goal to secure their place in next season’s top flight.

Manager Dieter Hecking strongly criticised the decision to dismiss Mæhle. He told the press that the official should have looked at the full sequence of events. Hecking felt the referee showed a lack of common sense and compassion for the situation.

The coach admitted his squad feels devastated by the result. He stated that one single moment can decide whether a club stays up or goes down. Hecking added that the team needs a few days to process the disappointment before discussing future plans.

Wolfsburg must now prepare for life in the second tier of German football. Paderborn celebrate their return to the elite division after their victory in this two-legged tie.

• 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.

• 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.

• Patrick Wimmer will miss both legs of the Bundesliga relegation play-off against SC Paderborn 07
• Manager Dieter Hecking says the winger is not at 100 percent fitness
• Kilian Fischer and Jonas Wind could return for the second leg on Monday
• Wolfsburg face Paderborn on Friday in the first leg of the survival battle
• Hecking insists reaching the play-offs is already a success for the club

VfL Wolfsburg will face SC Paderborn 07 without Patrick Wimmer. Manager Dieter Hecking confirmed the bad news on Thursday. The winger will miss both games of the Bundesliga relegation play-off.

Hecking spoke at a press conference. He explained that Wimmer still feels discomfort. The coach ruled him out for tomorrow’s first leg. He also said Wimmer probably cannot play in Monday’s second leg either.

The manager has strict rules about fitness. He told his players on Monday that only those at full strength will feature. He wants everyone on the pitch to be 100 percent ready.

There is better news for Wolfsburg fans. Kilian Fischer and Jonas Wind might return for the second match. They could be available on Monday. The team hopes they recover in time.

Hecking remains positive about the club’s situation. He stated that reaching the play-offs counts as a success. He pointed out that both Wolfsburg and Paderborn won their previous relegation battles.

The coach referenced their recent performance against Bayern Munich. He believes his team can beat Paderborn if they show the same discipline. He wants the players to cover the same distance and work hard with and without the ball.

• SC Freiburg host VfL Wolfsburg in a crucial clash that could determine European qualification for the home side
• The Breisgau-Brasilianer seek to recover from three consecutive defeats across different competitions
• Wolfsburg battle to keep their survival hopes alive until the final day despite missing several key players through injury

SC Freiburg welcome VfL Wolfsburg to the Europa-Park-Stadion this weekend for a vital Bundesliga fixture. The home side currently sit in eighth position and remain in contention for a European place next season.

Julian Schuster’s squad hold 43 points, which places them level with Eintracht Frankfurt in the race for the Conference League spot. Goal difference currently favours the Frankfurt outfit, meaning Freiburg must secure maximum points to improve their standing.

The hosts arrive at this match following a difficult period across multiple tournaments. They have suffered defeats in their previous three outings. A last-minute loss to VfB Stuttgart ended their DFB-Pokal journey, whilst Borussia Dortmund handed them a heavy league defeat. Most recently, Portuguese side SC Braga beat them in the Europa League semi-final first leg.

Despite this poor run, history favours Freiburg against Saturday’s opponents. They have claimed victory in seven of their last ten league meetings with Wolfsburg. The Breisgau-Brasilianer also won the three most recent encounters by narrow one-goal margins.

Freiburg possess considerable strength on home soil, having earned 28 of their 43 points at the Europa-Park-Stadion. Their record there shows eight wins, four draws and three defeats with a positive goal difference of eight.

Wolfsburg occupy 17th position in the table with only six wins from 31 matches. The visitors cannot suffer relegation this weekend following their recent draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC St. Pauli’s defeat to 1. FC Heidenheim 1846. However, Dieter Hecking’s side must win to maintain any realistic hope of taking the survival battle to the final day.

The Wolves remain unbeaten in their last two matches, including their first victory since January. They aim to record consecutive clean sheets for the first time since early 2023.

Injuries plague both camps. Freiburg miss defender Max Rosenfelder through a hamstring problem, whilst midfielders Patrick Osterhage and Daniel Kofi-Kyereh face longer absences.

Wolfsburg’s situation appears more severe. Captain Maximilian Arnold misses the remainder of the campaign with a groin injury. The absentee list also includes Mattias Svanberg, Kilian Fischer, Cleiton Santos, Kevin Paredes and Jonas Wind. Jenson Seelt and Rogério remain doubtful, whilst Bence Dárdai will not return until pre-season training begins in July.

Between the posts, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has kept a perfect penalty record this term, facing and saving only one spot-kick. Conversely, Wolfsburg’s Kamil Grabara has confronted eleven penalties, stopping seven efforts.

Freiburg will likely field: Atubolu; Günter, Ogbus, Ginter, Kübler; Manzambi, Eggestein; Scherhant, Suzuki, Irié; Höler.

Wolfsburg may start: Grabara; Koulierakis, Vavro, Belocian; Zehnter, Eriksen, Souza, Wimmer, Mæhle; Amoura, Pejčinović.

• Dieter Hecking becomes only the tenth manager in Bundesliga history to reach 450 matches.
• VfL Wolfsburg sit just one point above the automatic relegation zone with three games remaining.
• The Wolves face Europa League semi-finalists Freiburg before season-ending clashes with Bayern Munich and St. Pauli.

VfL Wolfsburg travel to SC Freiburg on Sunday for a crucial Bundesliga fixture. The visitors desperately need points to climb away from the automatic drop zone. Meanwhile, the hosts continue their push for European qualification.

The match carries special significance for Dieter Hecking. The 61-year-old will become only the tenth manager in league history to reach 450 games. This milestone arrives following his first-ever relegation campaign with VfL Bochum last season.

Hecking now aims to prevent another drop with Wolfsburg. He previously lifted the DFB-Pokal with the club during his earlier spell.

“That is a nice figure,” Hecking remarked regarding his landmark. He then offered a frank assessment of modern coaching. “I am unsure if we will witness this record broken frequently in future years. The profession has grown far more rapid.”

He added: “Every single Bundesliga fixture remains a celebration for me. I am excited for my 450th outing. Whether it is match number 451 or merely number 13, the Bundesliga always represents a special event.”

Wolfsburg must first overcome Freiburg. They then face champions Bayern Munich at home before a decisive final day trip to relegation rivals St. Pauli. Three points against the Europa League semi-finalists appear essential.

“I anticipate a highly intense encounter,” Hecking stated. He analysed Freiburg’s recent defeat in Braga. “It was an evenly matched contest. They retain every chance of reaching the final. I constantly commend Freiburg. Their squad possesses sufficient depth to field two strong sides without losing quality.”

The experienced coach recalled a previous experience against tired European opponents. During the 2009/10 campaign, his 1. FC Nürnberg side lost 4-0 to Hamburger SV. The Hamburg club had suffered Europa League semi-final elimination against Fulham merely 48 hours earlier.

“I do not believe they will approach this match differently due to their European commitments,” Hecking warned. “I have already experienced this pain. We all assumed HSV would be mentally and physically drained. Yet they led 3-0 after thirty minutes.”

Nürnberg survived relegation that year via play-off victory against FC Augsburg. Wolfsburg currently trail the play-off position by just one point. Their meeting with St. Pauli effectively serves as another survival play-off.

Recent weeks have brought improved displays and results. The Wolves gathered four points from fixtures against 1. FC Union Berlin and Hecking’s former club Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Vinicius Souza and Kevin Paredes should boost the squad. Both players are likely to return to the matchday squad.

Like many managers across Europe, Hecking also addressed the Champions League clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

“It was a magnificent spectacle,” he commented. “It demonstrated the excellence of both teams.”

He then joked about implementing such tactics at Wolfsburg.

“If we attempted to play in that manner, everyone would question my sanity.”