Trainer Paul Recognized as Top Choice at Wolfsburg - "Paul named as top choice for Wolfsburg coaching position"
After four consecutive disappointing Bundesliga seasons, VfL Wolfsburg has appointed a new head coach in a bid to stabilise and build on their legacy. Paul Simonis, a 40-year-old Dutch coach with an impressive rise in his managerial career, officially took the reins in June 2025.
Simonis' journey began at Sparta Rotterdam in 2005, where he started coaching youth teams at the age of 21. He worked his way up through Sparta Rotterdam's youth system for 15 years before becoming assistant coach at Go Ahead Eagles. During his time at Go Ahead Eagles, he helped the team gain promotion to the Eredivisie and maintain their position in the top Dutch league for two seasons.
In the 2024/25 season, Simonis made a significant leap as the head coach of Go Ahead Eagles. He led the team to their highest Eredivisie finish since 1970/71, securing seventh place, and famously won the club’s first ever Dutch Cup. This triumph included beating top teams like PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals and AZ Alkmaar on penalties in the final.
Wolfsburg appointed Simonis on a two-year contract based on his impressive achievements despite his relative inexperience at the senior head coaching level. The club sees potential in his modern approach to management and his ability to achieve success with limited resources. While specific detailed plans for the team have not been publicly disclosed yet, his track record suggests a focus on building a competitive and resilient squad capable of achieving solid league finishes and competing in domestic cups.
Peter Christiansen, the sports director of VfL Wolfsburg, stated that changes are needed at the club. He expressed optimism about Simonis' appointment, believing that he will help stabilise the team and bring them back to their past glory, which includes past Champions League qualifications.
Simonis, who has never been a professional footballer, has expressed optimism and readiness for the challenge at Wolfsburg. He views the move as a significant step, potentially equivalent to two or three steps at once. The new coach is excited to start working at Wolfsburg and has expressed eagerness to join one of the biggest competitions in the world.
The joint press conference for the introduction of Paul Simonis was held at the Volkswagen Arena, marking a new chapter in the club's efforts to improve their performance in the Bundesliga. Simonis' move to Wolfsburg marks a transition from a smaller league to one of the biggest competitions in the world, and he considers it a significant career advancement.
With ten different coaches in the past ten years, Wolfsburg hopes that Simonis' appointment will bring stability and consistency to the team. The sports director, Peter Christiansen, stated that the club has underperformed in recent years, and changes are being made to rectify this situation.
Simonis' appointment at Wolfsburg signifies a new era of ambition and stability for the club. He has expressed his eagerness to join the team and his readiness to start working towards their common goal: success in the Bundesliga.
Community policy could be set in place to foster a positive environment within the VfL Wolfsburg community, promoting teamwork and collaboration between fans, players, and management.Vocational training programs might be implemented for local youth, with Paul Simonis using his coaching expertise to mentor and guide the next generation of football players, ensuring a sustainable future for the sport in Wolfsburg.
