Wolfsburg embarks upon a new chapter following the departure of Niko Kovac, commencing with an away fixture against Werder Bremen at the esteemed Weserstadion in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Ralph Hasenhuttl assumes the managerial reins amidst the international break, with the Wolves precariously positioned above the relegation zone, signaling a pivotal juncture in their campaign.
Match preview
Wolfsburg, following a string of unfavorable outcomes in the 2024 season, including a winless streak spanning their initial ten games and a subsequent loss just prior to the winter hiatus, made the decision to terminate their association with Kovac subsequent to their recent defeat against Augsburg.
The culmination of three consecutive losses following numerous drawn matches served as the tipping point for Kovac’s departure, particularly as those teams initially languishing in the bottom three of the standings have made notable strides towards closing the gap.
A defeat suffered at the hands of Augsburg, resulting in a 3-1 loss, further compounded Wolfsburg’s woes, as Mainz’s victory prior to the hiatus narrowed the deficit to a mere six points between Wolfsburg and the relegation threshold.
The team’s lackluster performance in away fixtures, marked by eight losses out of thirteen matches played on the road, significantly contributes to their current low points tally, reminiscent of their precarious position six years ago when they narrowly escaped relegation.
With a total of 25 points garnered from 26 games, Wolfsburg finds themselves in a position analogous to that of the 2017-18 season, wherein they narrowly avoided relegation via the playoff. However, without a prompt reversal of fortunes under Hasenhuttl’s leadership, the prospect of their first relegation since 1997 looms ominously for the Bundesliga champions of 2008-09.
Despite an even historical head-to-head record of 20 wins and 91 goals each, home manager Ole Werner boasts a commendable track record against Wolfsburg while at Bremen. Although undefeated in three encounters against Wolfsburg since assuming leadership at Werder, recent performances of Werner’s team have been less than convincing.
Werder’s recent track record, securing seven points in their last seven matches, all against teams currently positioned in the bottom three, underscores their struggles, with their most recent three fixtures culminating in 2-1 defeats.
A notable statistical observation highlighting the Bundesliga’s relatively weakened state this season is Werder’s current points tally after 26 games, identical to that of the 2020-21 season, which ultimately resulted in their relegation. Nonetheless, there remains a tangible opportunity for Werder to secure European qualification this time around, despite possessing just 30 points with eight games remaining, boasting an 11-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Team News
Bremen’s recent loss to Union Berlin, marred by disciplinary issues, has resulted in the absence of three players due to suspension in the upcoming fixture. Senne Lynen, Mitchell Weiser, and Jens Stage incurred bookings during the match, leading to their enforced absence from the forthcoming game. Furthermore, Niklas Stark, Justin Nijnmah, and Dawid Kownacki will also be unavailable for the hosts due to injury concerns. Kownacki, in particular, faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Patrick Wimmer’s expulsion in Wolfsburg’s defeat against Augsburg significantly influenced the match’s outcome and renders him ineligible for the upcoming fixture due to suspension. Additionally, Lovro Majer’s participation is uncertain as he suffered a calf injury this week.
On a positive note for Bremen, Mortiz Jenz will be back in contention following his suspension stemming from a previous match against Bayer Leverkusen.
The availability of Koen Casteels remains uncertain as he deals with a shoulder issue, which caused him to miss Belgium’s recent match against England. However, Jonas Wind has recuperated from a muscular problem that prompted his early departure from the Denmark camp.
Werder Bremen possible starting lineup:
Zetterer; Malatini, Veljkovic, Jung; Agu, Alvero, Schmid, Bittencourt, Deman; Woltemade, Ducksch
Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:
Pervan, Maehle, Lacroix, Jenz, Rogerio; Baku, Svanberg, Arnold, Paredes; Wind, Behrens