„Evolution not revolution“

Since 1 February, Sebastian Schindzielorz has been back at VfL Wolfsburg in a new capacity. The 44-year-old, who played for the Wolves between 2008 and 2013 and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title in 2009, takes over the post of VfL sporting director from Marcel Schäfer, who is now managing director for sport following Jörg Schmadtke’s retirement. In this interview, Schindzielorz speaks about his first few days in the job and the match against Bayern Munich on Sunday.

Sebastian Schindzielorz, welcome back to VfL Wolfsburg. What have you made of it so far?

Göz Atın

Three vital points

Two new coaches collide

“I’ve developed as a player and person”

Sebastian Schindzielorz: “Thanks, I’m very happy to be back here after 10 years. Obviously a lot of things have rained down on me. I’m confident that we’ll all pick up the path that’s been chosen here relatively quickly.”

What’s your ideal kind of football?

Schindzielorz: “I spoke in depth with Marcel Schäfer beforehand about the strategy and philosophy. We’re both more about industry and effort, about intensity and togetherness. These are all attributes that were instilled here several years ago and which have also been reflected on the pitch during the course of this season. The approach will be to continue and to develop this philosophy and path.”

After two defeats in a row, what’s possible for the Wolves on Sunday? What could be the key to success?

Schindzielorz: “To go into the game well prepared, fired up and well organised; to throw everything at it in terms of intensity and really perform as a compact unit. As well as that, of course, you obviously need the footballing quality required to score goals. It’s a home game – and in principle anything is possible in any game. I’m confident we’ll do well.”

After all, Bayern are yet to win – in the league at least – in 2023…

Schindzielorz: “(laughs) That’s true, although I don’t know if Bayern have that on their minds after their good performance in the cup game at Mainz [4-0 win]. They’re very focused and have been very successful over many years, so the players and management have learned how to deal with periods like this. At the end of the day it’s down to us how we present ourselves, which is why it’s important that we focus on ourselves and delivering our best performance. If we do that, anything’s possible.”