VfL Wolfsburg appoints a new Dutch coach as their leadership figure.
A Fresh Challenge for Paul Simonis: Taking the Helm at VfL Wolfsburg
Football manager Paul Simonis, hailing from the Netherlands, has stepped up as the new gaffer for VfL Wolfsburg. Known for his tactical prowess, Simonis recently led underdogs Go Ahead Eagles Deventer to an unexpected cup win – their first title since 1933. This impressive feat has caught the attention of Wolfsburg's management, who have penned him down until June 30, 2027.
Peter Christiansen, Wolfsburg's sporting director, expressed excitement about the new addition, stating, "Paul is a precise tactician in all areas, shares our vision for the team's future, and is eager to inject fresh energy into VfL Wolfsburg with his forward-thinking approach."
Simonis is expected to be presented to the public at the beginning of July, with his coaching team comprising Pascal Formann, Tristan Berghuis, Peter van der Veen, and Martin Darneviel.
Replacing the likes of Mark van Bommel, Florian Kohfeldt, Niko Kovac, and Ralph Hasenhüttl, Simonis will be the eleventh head coach for Wolfsburg in ten years. The volatile turnover of coaches over the past decade has culminated in missed qualifications for an international competition for four consecutive seasons.
Transforming the Squad
Simonis is now tasked with revitalizing the Volkswagen-backed club and rebuilding the squad alongside Christiansen and sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz. Five key players are confirmed to be departing post-season, including Mohammed Amoura, Jonas Wind, and Lukas Nmecha.
Despite these challenges, Simonis remains optimistic following "high-level discussions" with club officials. "I believe this hiring is the right step forward," he stated in a club announcement.
A Promising Start in Management
With no playing experience and just one year at the helm of professional football, Simonis has already garnered attention. His tenure with Go Ahead Eagles led the team to a historic seventh-place finish in the Dutch Eredivisie – the highest placement since 1970. In a remarkable feat, he also helped his team knock out favorites AZ Alkmaar in the cup final.
Before his stint as head coach, Simonis spent fifteen years climbing the ranks, honing his skills as a youth coach at Sparta Rotterdam and working as an assistant to former Schalke coach Kees van Wonderen at SC Heerenveen and in Deventer.
Although late entrants into the running, Simonis emerged as the favored candidate after Danish coach Jacop Neestrup failed to secure a release from his current club, FC Copenhagen.
Paul Simonis, the new coach for VfL Wolfsburg, is expected to bring his success in football, particularly in European leagues, to his new role. His impressive track record, including leading Go Ahead Eagles Deventer to a historic cup win, has caught the attention of the club, which has signed him until June 30, 2027.
