Since the former U19 coach Bauer took over from Paul Simonis in November, the Wolves have suffered nine defeats in 15 matches. Wolfsburg has now gone eight games without a win, making this the worst season in the club’s history since its promotion in 1997. Sitting 17th in the table, Wolfsburg faces the threat of relegation from the Bundesliga for the first time in history.
Tensions are running high in Lower Saxony. On Saturday, frustrated fans vented their anger with chants ("We’ve had enough") and by setting off pyrotechnics. The team was also subjected to abuse. Captain Maximilian Arnold described the situation as "pure frustration".
"Currently not Bundesliga standard."
After last week’s 4-0 defeat at VfB Stuttgart, Bauer had already spoken about internal problems. "The fact is, we need to change a lot of structures, and the atmosphere and culture within the club are currently not up to Bundesliga standards," the coach said.
Wolfsburg found the decision to part ways "anything but easy," sports director Pirmin Schwegler said in a press release: "We had hoped to turn things around together. But after analyzing the overall situation, we concluded that the team needs a new spark to secure survival in the league."
Hecking previously managed Wolfsburg from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure, the club from the Volkswagen city won the German Cup and the Super Cup. Last September, Hecking was dismissed by second-division side VfL Bochum. He had also been brought in there as a "firefighter" to save the club from relegation, but was unable to keep them in the Bundesliga.
Match Center: Wolfsburg vs. HSV
