Just four games into the Bundesliga season, we’ve already lost our first head coach. VfL Wolfsburg dismissed Andries Jonker and assistant Freddie Ljungberg just seven months into their spell.
The official statement read: “The decision to make a change of head coach at this early stage of the season wasn’t easy for any of us. However, during our internal consultations, we ultimately came to the conclusion that we wish to approach the task with a newly formed coaching team.”
Wolfsburg’s spokesman, Wolfgang Holze added: “The decision for us to take this step at this point in time was not just the impression made upon us during the game against Stuttgart, but rather based upon the perception of stagnated development among the team, which was to a great extent newly formed during the summer. We expressly wish to thank Andries Jonker and his coaching staff, for rescuing [Wolfsburg’s] position in the top-flight at the last minute at the end of last season.”
Following the dismissal, Wolfsburg announced former 1. FSV Mainz 05 head coach Martin Schmidt as their new manager.
“We are delighted to have won over Martin Schmidt for VfL Wolfsburg in such a short space of time. He’s the right man for the task that lies ahead of us,” stated VfL manager Dr. Tim Schumacher.
Sporting director Olaaf Rebbe added: “I’d like to thank Martin Schmidt for agreeing to take over at such short notice. We are convinced that, with his experience and strengths, he will fit right in at VfL.”
