VfL Wolfsburg Secures Bundesliga Spot with New Coach Hasenhüttl: Exclusive Interview

The VfL Wolfsburg may heave a sigh of relief! Since last weekend, on which the VfL won 3-0 against SV Darmstadt, it is certain that the 2009 champions will also play in the upper house next season. However, a change of coach was necessary. After the 26th matchday, Niko Kovac was released and Ralph Hasenhüttl was brought in. After initial problems, the new coach managed to stabilize the team again.

i do SPIRITUAL1-In this interview he talks only about the changes in the team, his son, who he brought in as an assistant coach, and special comments from the Premier League.

SPORT 1: Mr. Hasenhüttl, what changes do you see in your team?

Hasenhüttl: We have more self-confidence. In some parts that has suffered a bit in the last few games because we just conceded far too much. It has already been noted that not all processes are appropriate. But we also showed that we are always good for goals and that we can cause problems for the opposition.

SPORT 1: They have theirs Son became an assistant coach. Was this always planned?

Hasenhüttl: We have philosophized about this possibility. As an experienced trainer, you want to pass on your knowledge at some point – and then think carefully about who. It was obvious that I would like to pass this opportunity on to my son. If he is on my team and learning from scratch and getting his coaching license at the same time – he can benefit greatly from that.

Hasenhüttl: I wouldn’t have made the decision I did if I didn’t trust him. He brings in a special because he still thinks a bit like a player. It is very, very important in a coaching team that the mix is ​​right. We have a good balance.

SPORT 1: How did the team get this constellation?

Hasenhüttl: When we are successful, it is always well received – when we are not successful, it is not. It’s like that with everything. It is important that he respects the team. The players quickly notice what kind of person he is and whether he has any idea what he is talking about.

SPORT 1: How did you do that? Published by Marcel Schäfer seen?

Hasenhüttl: It was quite amazing. But I have the highest respect for Marcel Schäfer, the person who convinced me to come here. He is a great man and lad, he has achieved a lot for the club here and he will always be a legend at VfL Wolfsburg. We are still in touch, he writes to me and congratulates me on my victory. But it’s a shame we can’t be happy together, because that would definitely have given him something.

SPORT 1: You worked in the Premier League for four years – what took you away?

Hasenhüttl: Many beautiful memories, many beautiful moments in a wonderful league that is just a pool of football countries and football philosophies, where the best coaches from all countries come together and compete. This league has a special aura. It’s a great honor for me to be able to coach there for four years and I’m very grateful for it.

SPORT 1: Can you imagine coming back?

Hasenhüttl: I will be the Premier League keep looking – who knows, maybe the situation will arise again where you take over a club again. But right now I’m very happy here and I’m looking forward to the Bundesliga, which has improved in quality again in recent years. The Bundesliga is considered the world’s best, but it may still be undervalued.

SPORT 1: So the Premier League dream is still alive – are Spain or France also targets?

Hasenhüttl: In the winter I often tell myself that I have to go to Spain or Italy again. Standing on the pitch in the winter with shorts would also be a thing (laughs). I’ll be 57 this summer, so maybe there won’t be as many clubs anymore. But you never know what’s coming. I already feel that football doesn’t quite let me go. It’s hard to say no to interesting offers.

SPORT 1: What is a special feature that you experienced in England?

Hasenhüttl: The fan wants to see the best players on the pitch. The worst thing for the Englishman is when you turn around and he can’t see his superstitions. They can’t stand that at all. Despite the many games, the distribution is rotten.

SPORT 1: How do you evaluate this as a trainer?

Hasenhüttl: I was frustrated for turning over nine players in the FA Cup. We won 3-1, then it was quiet again. You will immediately be accused of not taking the competition seriously. But sometimes there is no other way. But I also learned that players can achieve more than what is expected of them in Germany. We had players who played every minute of every game, which was fantastic.

SPORT 1: Is the environment in Germany too soft?

Hasenhüttl: No, that’s how it turned out. English week is normal on the island. In terms of athletics, the players are simply well trained, which is why they are able to carry out this workload.

SPORT 1: What has been your connection with Wolfsburg over the years?

Hasenhüttl: Of course you follow the Bundesliga. As Wolfsburg under Oliver Glasner in the Champions League I followed them more closely.

SPORT 1: Do you know Oliver Glasner personally?

Hasenhüttl: Naturally. We even happened to be on vacation in the same hotel once, so we’ve known each other for a while. We had always exchanged ideas before. Back then, he always asked questions when it came to playing against English clubs. He wasn’t above getting some advice, I think that’s great. He is a very thorough and good trainer to say the least.

SPORT 1: You said how much you enjoyed your time out before Wolfsburg – how much energy does this coaching job take?

Hasenhüttl: Lots of energy. You are always under surveillance and you cannot go out on the street without being recognized. That changed immediately in Germany. It’s a completely different quality of life when you can sit down in a cafe without anyone talking to you. I really enjoyed being able to get that again, getting my “old life” back. But I also missed things from work.

SPORT 1: Have you thought how long you want to continue this job?

Hasenhüttl: No, I was wondering if he was always healthy. Health is the most important thing. As long as I stay healthy, I will not limit myself. I have already learned that you have to take care of your body.

SPORT 1: Your old team-mate Ralf Rangnick has fired Bayern – why is the club having such a hard time finding a new coach?

Hasenhüttl: I can explain why he resigned – because it’s so nice to be a coach in my country, my teammates love him so much for his work and he doesn’t feel like going to any other place. I am very happy that he chose Austria and the national team. I’m also 100 percent sure the right trainer is still out there for him FC Bayern giving