Wolfsburg sack head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl
VfL Wolfsburg have officially dismissed manager Ralph Hasenhüttl following a humiliating 4-0 Bundesliga defeat to Borussia Dortmund, marking the latest chapter in a disappointing season for the Wolves.
The club confirmed the Austrian’s departure on Sunday, less than 24 hours after being comprehensively beaten at Signal Iduna Park. The result extended Wolfsburg’s winless run to eight matches and further cemented their fall from early-season European contention.
In a press release, Wolfsburg stated that the decision was made due to “poor results in recent months,” citing a worrying stretch of form that includes six defeats in their last eight league games and just two victories since the start of the year.
From Stability to Stagnation: A Timeline of Hasenhüttl’s Tenure
Ralph Hasenhüttl, 57, took over at Wolfsburg in March 2024, succeeding Niko Kovač, who now manages Dortmund. Nicknamed the "Alpine Klopp" due to his high-energy style and tactical approach, Hasenhüttl arrived at a time when Wolfsburg were flirting with relegation.
The Austrian tactician successfully guided the team to Bundesliga safety last season and helped instill defensive stability. However, results in the current campaign have not met expectations. In total, he oversaw 44 matches in all competitions, delivering 17 wins, 9 draws, and 18 losses.
Current League Position and European Setback
Wolfsburg now sit 12th on the Bundesliga table with 39 points from 32 games, well outside the race for European spots and 11 points adrift of sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, the current occupants of the UEFA Conference League qualification berth.
Despite having secured top-flight survival mathematically, Wolfsburg’s steady decline in form—especially during the run-in—prompted the board to make a decisive change with just two rounds of fixtures remaining in the 2024/25 season.
Daniel Bauer Appointed Interim Coach
In the interim, Daniel Bauer, coach of Wolfsburg's U19 side, will take charge of first-team affairs until the end of the season. The club has yet to announce whether Bauer is a long-term option or if a new head coach will be appointed ahead of the summer transfer window.
Club’s Statement and Farewell Message
Peter Christiansen, Wolfsburg's Managing Director, praised Hasenhüttl for his initial impact but emphasized the need for a new direction:
"Ralph Hasenhüttl took over VfL Wolfsburg last season during a difficult phase and brought us back to stability. We are grateful for his contributions. However, the results and overall trajectory in recent months necessitated a change. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors—both professionally and personally."
What’s Next for Wolfsburg?
With just two matches remaining in the Bundesliga season, Wolfsburg will aim to close out the campaign on a positive note under Bauer’s leadership. The club will likely use the summer to reassess its long-term managerial strategy and squad development ahead of the 2025/26 season.
SportsLigue