Football Season Guide

After a positive start, things went downhill rapidly for Wolfsburg last season. The club decided to stick with Niko Kovac until March, despite a winless run from the middle of December and relegation a distinct possibility. New boss Ralph Hasenhuttl eventually steadied the ship and they finished 12th. Hasenhuttl has had a full pre-season to work with his side to try and get them back challenging at the top end of the table. There hasn’t been a lot of movement in the transfer market, but the Austrian coach is expected to give young players a chance to shine among some more experienced heads. The goalkeeping department needed sprucing up after Koen Casteels moved to the Saudi Pro League. The Belgium stopper has been a great servant to the club, but his form had dropped over the past few seasons. New Polish keeper Kamil Grabara could be the answer after a decent spell at previous club Copenhagen. Marius Muller is also a decent back-up from Schalke. Wolfsburg have also strengthened the forward line with the signing of Mohamed Amoura. The Algerian scored 17 times in the Belgian Pro League last season and should bring pace and energy to the attack, something that was lacking last season. New young talents Bence Dardai and Mathys Angely have bright futures while Kofi Amoako and Manuel Braun have been promoted up to the first-team from the youth. Hasenhuttl should help their development so expect to see them given a chance this coming season. The Wolves have managed to keep the majority of their regulars from last season and that will be a positive, however, new additions in defence and midfield could be needed for them to move up the table.