Wolfsburg: With a clear mind through hard times

A stunning 6-0 victory over Werder Bremen in their last league match is expected to give the 2015 German Cup winner VfL Wolfsburg a boost for their fifth Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow this Wednesday night.

   Club and fans now hope for a turnaround in the Champions League as well as the club is not only struggling in its attempt to become German football's No. 2  but could also soon face substantial difficulties due to the crisis of club owner, the car manufacturer Volkswagen. 

   The company recently announced it will cut down on its widespread sponsoring activities in sports (ice hockey and football) due to their financial problems in the middle of a scandal about false emission data. As it has not finally been decided if VfL Wolfsburg will be among the ones that are affected, there is an air of uncertainty at the club. 

   Therefore reaching the next round is of vital importance to the club as it would be worth up to seven million euro. Head coach Dieter Hecking and club CEO Klaus Allofs are trying to remain calm to navigate the club through a difficult period. Next to the possible financial problems coach, the pair are working to improve several German internationals in the squad that have not yet met expectations - namely the German national players like Max Kruse, Julian Draxler and Andre Schuerrle.

   Now hopes are growing Schuerrle and Kruse might soon find their form after both were winning factors in the league match against Bremen. "It's still our goal to reach the last 16 of the Champions League," said Hecking.

   Looking at the standings, Wolfsburg's Group B is the toughest of all in the Champions League. Not even the big favorite Manchester United (seven points after four matches) has managed to perform well. With the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven (six points) lying second and the Wolfsburg in third (six points) ahead of CSKA Moscow (four points), everything will come down to the last two games. 

   Three points on Wednesday would improve Wolfsburg's chances of proceeding to the next round. To win at least one point in Russia is almost a must. Wolfsburg face Manchester United and the German national captain Bastian Schweinsteiger in their last group match on December 8th. 

   After the team's poor performance in their last Champions League match in Eindhoven (0-2), Allofs is demanding greater tenacity. "Clear is that we expect more from some players. That includes Andre Schuerrle," said Allofs.

   Since Schuerrle joined Wolfsburg for 32 million euro in summer 2015 after two disappointing years at Chelsea, the 25-year old has difficulties finding form. "We expect more from him, he knows that. My impression is, he does not give all he could," Allofs said. "We are happy about his two assists in the Bremen game, but we want to see more," said Allofs.

   Now they hope in Wolfsburg that Schuerrle has made it over the top after his good performance against Bremen. 

   Looking at the game in Moscow, a problem for Wolfsburg could be that midfielder Luiz Gustavo is sidelined due to a muscle problem. The Brazilian international normally provides experience and solidity in midfield.

   Swiss-born Riccardo Rodriguez will also miss the match as the 22-year old defender has been unable to train due to the death of his mother. 

   In addition to the improving Schuerrle and Kruse, the head coach can count on the returning Julian Draxler who was banned from the Bundesliga after a red card. Therefore Hecking is hoping that his team's key figures will put on another good performance after their thrashing of Bremen which left Wolfsburg third in the league - a position that would ensure Champions League football again for the club next season. 

   "It was not a normal victory in a league match against a side like Bremen; it was a special one for the entire team. It would mean a lot to our fans and us when we make it into the next round of the Champions League," said Hecking. "Despite all problems and rumors around the club, we have a job to do and we need to be fully concentrated. Club and team want to play a vital role in the future, not only in Germany but on the international stage as well," added Hecking. What seems to be clear: A victory against Moscow could well help in many ways.  Endi