Wolfsburg - The New German Superpower
Road to Glory - Wolfsburg

SEPTEMBER REVIEW


WOLFSBURG VS FRIEBURG

The month started with an away game against Freiburg, and after their last two performances the much stronger Wolfsburg were not listed as favourites, with critics saying that it would be to much of a mountain to climb for them to even get a point. The first 30 seconds of the game were atrocious for Wolfsburg, they kicked off, almost immediately turned the ball over and were then run over by Freiburg who went on to score. The game could only get better for Wolfsburg though, who after a great call by Dunlop who moved De Bruyne to CAM (shadow striker) and he almost immediately got a bit of space and hit a great shot into the upper 90 from just outside the box .
WOLFSBURG VS PAOK

Though Wolfsburg would have to start planning for the first game in their EUROPA league group draw. The fans were very confident heading into this draw, as after the last performance Dunlop addressed the season ticket holders, telling them "it may be a long season, but I want to know that I have my fan base behind me and they are fighting for us as well". Wolfsburg got off to a good start in there match against PAOK thanks to a couple of early goals with Naldo's free kick in the 10th minute a particular beauty. Though there good start didn’t last long as PAOK struck back thanks to a great effort from their striker Angelos Chatzirizos. A second goal from the striker just after half-time would round off the comeback and really put Wolfsburg under pressure. Wolfsburg were starting to pass the ball around well though. The next chance would not come until injury time as the PAOK goalkeeper went short with his kick and it landed to the CB Ińigo Lopez who did not completely control the ball and Maximillian Arnold pounced on it and hit an incredible effort from all of 25 yards to win the game for Wolfsburg. The man of the match went to Christian Träsch, the defender put in another incredible performance and he was critical at the back, but I believe that Naldo should also receive a lot of credit as well; the Brazillian scored an incredible goal and cleared two more off of his own line to hold onto the win.

The players celebrate after Maximillian Arnold scores the game-winner
WOLFSBURG VS SCHALKE

Though Wolfsburg would need another performance like the previous to get the win over Schalke, they were lucky that they had the home-advantage and they would be needing any advantage they could get. Schalke had a great opening half to the game and they dominated Wolfsburg, this was shown by the two scrubby goals that they scored through Huntelaar, they then quickly added to their league after half time with another set piece finish. That would be how the game would finish though, a frustrated Dunlop left the field almost immediately after the final whistle went. Dunlop did not answer the press as he just wanted to leave the game behind.
WOLFSBURG VS BAYER LEVERKUSEN

The following German Cup 2nd round game against Leverkusen put Wolfsburg up against a team in similar form. The opening two minutes of the game were one of the best passing plays you will ever see by Wolfsburg, and it finished in a terrific finish by Memphis Depay. 20 minutes later Wolfsburg continued there attacking passing display by working their way up the left hand side of the field and getting the ball into Luiz Gustavo who put a great finish past the keeper to take the score to 2-0. But late in the half a splendid set piece move by Leverkusen allowed them to pull back, they then scored again after Naldo gave away a pretty straightforward penalty . The comeback was complete in the 77th minute when Leverkusen got another cross in and it was finished by Son Heung-Min. Wolfsburg should be very disappointed at their second half performance. They did very well to get up 2-0 but they did not do enough work to hold onto it, thanks to more poor defending on set pieces.
IS THIS GAME A MUST WIN FOR DUNLOP?

WOLFSBURG VS FC KOLN

Wolfsburg's last game of the month would be away at FC Koln. They will be needing a much improved performance if they are to get back on their winning ways. Dunlop will also be needing the team to have a better performance as his role at the club is starting to come under questioning. After a very good counter attack early in the game, Wolfsburg managed to get down the other end and score through Vierinha and make the score 1-0. A mistake at the back by Koln allowed Depay some space in the 53rd minute and he scored a good finish. Not long later, a terrific run by Ricardo Rodriguez into the box freed up a good ball to Knoche who put a quality finish past the keeper. Late in the game, Adam Matuszczyk collected two quick yellow cards and was sent for an early bath. But the game would not end there, as Wolfsburg again conceded off of a set piece, not clearing a corner and Koln got one back. But that would be how the game ended, and Dunlop could breath another day as his job was still safe. Ricardo Rodriguez was given the player of the game after he put in a terrific performance, terrorizing the left wing.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The board has got to stick with the manager. So early into the season, disruption in the change room would just be bad for everybody.
Difficult month! You need to bounce back!

OCTOBER REVIEW

WOLFSBURG END MONTH WITH GOOD RESULTS
WOLFSBURG VS ZENIT



This clash between Zenit and Wolfsburg was going to be a very important one. Many would think that it will decide who finishes top of the group, as these two squads are the favourites to progress. The game did not start well for Wolfsburg, who using a new tactic conceded early to some very poor defending(0-1). The first half ended and Wolfsburg were playing very poorly and the Zenit fans were waiting for their team to run away with the game. But straight after the break, Wolfsburg came out a different side, they were very unlucky to not have scored through Bas Dost, when it seamed like Depay had put an incredible ball through for him, but it was called offside after he finished it. But Dost would not have to wait for long his next chance though, as he picked up on a poor pass from Criscito and calmly finished the shot(1-1). Despite both teams having more good chances after that, the game would end a 1-1 draw. Wolfsburg should be very happy with coming out of Russia with a point, and staying top of their group. The player of the match was yet again Wolfsburg's Christian Träsch. Zenit will also be disappointed that they lost their main man Hulk, due to injury and he is rumoured to be out for 4-5 months.

Hulk going down injured against Wolfsburg
WOLFSBURG VS FC BAYERN



Wolfsburg will be hosting current champions Bayern today in what will be a very difficult challenge. Bayern are currently on a 7 game win streak and are undefeated. Wolfsburg were very commanding early in the game, but unfortunately the referee saw it differently and gave a very soft penalty to Bayern, that Alaba finished(0-1). The rest of the half was very hotly contested, but the score ended the same. The second half looked to be even better for Wolfsburg who now were playing a 10 man FC Bayern after Bastian Schweinsteiger was sent off. But unfortunately, their defense of set pieces was not getting better and Robben netted a goal off of a corner(0-2). But the game was not over yet, as another incredible through ball from Memphis Depay set up Perisic who put it away (2-1). Neuer started to pull off some incredible saves, as the Wolfsburg midfield started to take advantage of the missing man. But Bayern held on and claimed a good victory. But the efforts of Wolfsburg can not be faulted. The man of the match was another Wolfsburg defender, Ricardo Rodriguez. The Swiss had a very good performance and was crucial in almost all of their attacks.
Wolfsburg Player Wins Player of the Week
Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez has won Bundesliga player of the week. He had some very good performances for his club Wolfsburg, despite them only playing two games and winning one. He was crucial in their defence and attack, he was also awarded the player of the match in a losing effort against Bayern Munich. He also featured in the team of the week along with team mates Christian Träsch and Ivan Perisic.
Is Lacazette Germany Bound?
The 22-year old French striker has been linked with a move away from French Club Olympique Lyonnais ever since he openly discussed his unhappiness with the current manager Hubert Fournier. He was linked with a few clubs but we have today found out that the only club who has formally put in a bid for the striker is Wolfsburg. The bid is rumoured to be in the region of £3.2mill, it is also said that the bid has been accepted and Wolfsburg can now enter discussions with the player. Lacazette has been in good form for the French Club this year, putting away 3 goals. The rumoured salary is £67,000 per week. More is to come later in the month.
WOLFSBURG VS FRANKFURT



Another very important game for Wolfsburg, who need some results, they were unlucky not to come away with points against Bayern, but they are going to need all three here against Frankfurt. It could be another do or die performance for Dunlop. Wolfsburg clearly were looking to dominate this game from the get go, they were getting lots of shots away, but it took until the 20th minute and another beautiful delivery from Ricardo Rodriguez into Aaron Hunt who put away a powerful finish (1-0). Hunt was then at it again 10 minutes later and he hit an impressive long curler from 30 yards (2-0). He unfortunately had to leave the field injured in the second half though. Despite having countless more chances, Wolfsburg would finish the game with a convincing 2-0 win. The man of the match was the goal scorer, Aaron Hunt who scored two great goals.

The German Aaron Hunt in the lead up to his two goal game against Frankfurt
Wolfsburg Player in Team of the Week
Despite there poor run of results, Wolfsburg players are still finding their way into the Team of the Week. This time 21-year old Robin Knoche is featured. Other players include Marco Rojas and Rafael Van der Vaart.
WOLFSBURG VS MARIBOR



Another EUROPA League game for Wolfsburg, who are currently sitting on top of their group. They will be playing host to Slovenian team Maribor, who are at the other end of the table. Wolfsburg are clear favourites and they should win this game fairly easily. Early in the first half Wolfsburg were taking the game to Maribor, but some great goalkeeping made sure that they stayed in the game and the halftime score was 0-0. Almost immediately after half time, some great passing from Hunt and Arnold opened up a chance for Ricardo Rodriguez to run the ball on the wing, he got the cross in and Angelo Henriquez scored his first goal with a tidy finish(1-0). After many chances off corners, late in the half a good cross from De Bruyne set up Daley Blind who also scored his first goal of the season(2-0). Then came one of the goals of the season, Depay collected the ball from halfway, dribbled through almost all of the defenders, slowed the ball down then hit the shot from outside the box into the top right hand corner, Wolfsburg were ecstatic(3-0). Yet again the man of the match was Ricardo Rodriguez, who had another dominating left side of the field display.

Ricardo Rodriguez and Wolfsburg celebrate another EUROPA league victory over Maribor
Wolfsburg Sign Lacazette
Despite the fact that it is not the transfer window, Dunlop has not stopped in his attempts to continue to improve his side. After much speculation over the last few days. Dunlop has now confirmed the signing. He will join his new club Wolfsburg on the 1st of January next year. The official fee is £3.2mill, this may be one of the better signings in the last few years; as the striker posses great talent. The Lyonnais fans have expressed their unhappiness at his sale, saying that he had a future at the club, and the the price they got for him was unfair.

Lacazette celebrates another goal for Olympique Lyonnais, though he will not be there much longer after announcing a move to German club VFL Wolfsburg
WOLFSBURG VS HANNOVER 96



Another important game for Dunlop as it is one where he is expected to pick up all of the points. Hannover have been in pretty good form of late and will be up for the challenge again. This game was a very boring one, both teams were not really getting any good shots on goal and they were all playing on hopefully penalty shouts. The one and only chance came to Wolfsburg on the counter attack in the 92nd minute, when yet again Ricardo Rodriguez broke the defence and put a killer ball to Bas Dost who tapped it forwards for Angelo Henriquez who banged it past the keeper and broke the deadlock (1-0). For the third time this month, Ricardo Rodriguez has again been awarded the man of the match. He was great in the entire game and really showed his impeccable defending in this effort.

Kevin De Bruyne and Leonardo Bittencourt competing for the ball in Wolfsburg's win
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Good results overall for Wolfsburg, plus a good signing. Hopefully Rodriguez can keep up his form. Looking good, maybe you might keep your job


NOVEMBER REVIEW


Dunlop Getting Involved in Transfers Before the Window
Dunlop has today announced another transfer signing. 31-year old Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has been playing at Arsenal for 3 years and the fans have loved him, when he has played he has been one of the most consistent players for the English side. He will be much needed by Dunlop as he can finally conclude his search for an experienced playmaker. He was also fortunate enough to be the captain of Arsenal at some points.

The Spaniard Mikel Arteta in action before his announced move to Wolfsburg
UNDEFEATED MONTH FOR WOLFSBURG
WOLFSBURG VS MAINZ



Wolfsburg had a very good end to October and they will be looking to carry that into this game, especially since they are the favourites. Though Wolfsburg would need to fight hard for this win, missing important players such as Luiz Gustavo and Kevin De Bruyne. Wolfsburg had a very good start to the game, with Memphis Depay unlucky not to hit an impressive free kick, but fortunately for Wolfsburg, Daley Blind was there to put the ball back in(1-0). That is how the half would end though, but quickly after the break, Wolfsburg put together some more impressive passing and it would be Ivan Perisic who put an impressive ball into Sebastian Jung who scored his first goal of the season(2-0). But Mainz would set the game up for a tight finish, as with five minutes to go they put together an impressive counter-attack and had a good finish(2-1). But Wolfsburg would hold on to win the game 2-1. The man of the match would go to the Dutch defender/midfielder Daley Blind, he scored a nice goal and had some great defensive plays to make sure they won the game.
WOLFSBURG VS MARIBOR



The second consecutive clash between these two sides is set to be a crucial one for Wolfsburg if they want to guarantee qualification from the group. Wolfsburg are on top with 7 points, while Maribor sit on the bottom with just one. The first half featured many crucial saves from youngster Timo Horn, but neither team could break the deadlock. Early in the second half, a good Wolfsburg move off of a corner that led to a Naldo goal(1-0). After Olic got injured off of a dodgy foul, Wolfsburg initiated another good play and scored through Angelo Henriquez(2-0). Wolfsburg would hold on for another clean sheet. The man of the match was the always impressive Ricardo Rodriguez.
WOLFSBURG VS HERTHA BSC



Wolfsburg have been very impressive in their past 5 matches, winning all of them. They will be looking to continue this form in this match where they will be favourites against Hertha BSC. The first hour of this game was pretty boring, with neither team going near the opposition goal and the midfield was where all the action was. But after the hour things started to work for Wolfsburg. It started with a poor goal kick from Hertha that landed straight to Maximillian Arnold who tapped it forward for Kevin De Bruyne, who hit a great chipped shot from all of 30 yards and found the back of the net(1-0). This goal moved Wolfsburg up to 5th place. The final chance of the game fell to Wolfsburg again who in the 92nd minute made some great ball movement and then crossed back across the face of the goal for Vierinha to tap it in(2-0). The man of the match was the midfielder Maximillian Arnold, the German set up the first goal and had an incredible 96% pass completion rate.
Two More Wolfsburg Players in the Team of the Week
Wolfsburg have again had players feature in the Bundesliga team of the week. Attacking Midfielders Maximillian Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne. Both have had impressive performances this week, and both of them will look to continue. The team also involved Marco Reus, Mats Hummels and Mario Götze.
WOLFSBURG VS HOFFENHEIM



Another game where Wolfsburg can look to improve their current win streak. They are projected as the favourites for the game and will be hoping that they can live up to that. The game started off brilliantly for Wolfsburg, who put together another very good counter-attack and the final ball from Aaron Hunt through to Angelo Henriquez, who put it away(1-0). The next chance fell off of a free-kick and De Bruyne whipped in the cross to Angelo Henriquez and he scored his second inside 10 minutes(2-0). That is how the half would end. The second half was not as exciting as the first and neither side had any good chances. Allowing Wolfsburg to come out of the game with another victory. The man of the match was the only goal scorer, Angelo Henriquez - he impressed the fans with two impressive goals, the fans have come to like the Chilean, despite a poor start to the season he has started to score goals.
WOLFSBURG VS PAOK



With PAOK officially out of contention, they will be looking to spoil Wolfsburg's party and stop them from coming first in the group. The game started off well for PAOK who got five shots inside the first 3 minutes, but unfortunately for PAOK they could not handle Wolfsburg on the counter-attack and another impressive Ricardo Rodriguez moth with De Bruyne ended in an easy finish for Angelo Henriquez who has scored Wolfsburg's last 3 goals(1-0). 10 minutes later, Wolfsburg would make another break through Christian Träsch who crossed the ball into Memphis Depay who finished a very good header from just inside the box(2-0). Straight after half-time, a corner from Kevin De Bruyne would allow an easy tap in finish for Ricardo Rodriguez(3-0). 70 minutes in, a great pass from Depay after a free-kick would open up another chance for Angelo Henriquez to score his 4th in 2 games(4-0). Minutes later, the keeper rushed out for PAOK, he hit the ball away but it landed to Angelo Henriquez, who nearly scored from 45 yards, but fortunately Hunt was there to tap it in(5-0). With Wolfsburg needing one more goal to move top of the group, they went into a very attacking position, and it payed off, with constant pressure allowing Aaron Hunt to score(6-0). The man of the match for the second time in a row was Angelo Henriquez, who scored two goals and got an assist.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Nice signing there in Arteta! Bit old but good nonetheless 
Also nice to see the United lad Henriquez performing for you
Good luck.. though it will take some work to knock Bayern off their perch, but you can surely do it. Using Henriquez and De Bruyne. Good luck!

Also nice to see the United lad Henriquez performing for you

Good luck.. though it will take some work to knock Bayern off their perch, but you can surely do it. Using Henriquez and De Bruyne. Good luck!

Great update, looking forward to a big season in Wolfsburg football!
Henriquez has been quality, hopefully he can keep up that form.
You are reading "Wolfsburg - The New German Superpower".