“Everyone has to give their all”

As he approaches one year at the club, VfL Wolfsburg sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz reflects on the past 12 months, sheds light on his relationship with Marcel Schäfer and reveals his objectives for the second half of the campaign.

Sebastian Schindzielorz, it’s customary for politicians to draw their first conclusions after 100 days in office. In around three weeks, you’ll be celebrating one year as VfL Wolfsburg sporting director. How do you assess your first 12 months in the role?

Sebastian Schindzielorz: “Unlike in politics, I’m not looking back on a continuous period of time but on a part of last season and a part of the current one. That’s why it’s very difficult to draw conclusions in sporting terms. My personal assessment, however, is very positive. I’ve been made to feel very welcome in the VfL family. I’d therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues once again for giving me such an easy start.”

You succeeded Marcel Schäfer, who was appointed managing director after four and a half years as sporting director. What’s it like to work with him?

Schindzielorz: “Our relationship is characterised by excellent communication, trust and transparency. The same applies to our work with the team around us. Marcel was one of the key factors behind my decision to return to VfL Wolfsburg. So far, there haven’t been any instances where one of us has had a completely different view to the other. That said, we often have provocative discussions in order to find the best solution for the club.”