45 points still up for grabs

The Wolves have made a poor start to the second half of the season, losing both games after the winter break.. The club skipper Stefan Schnoor has yet to start a match in the New Year, in fact he hasn’t started a match for almost two months. Despite that fact, Schnoor (33), is still optimistic regarding his own prospects as well as those of the team. There are 45 points up for grabs until the end of the season; the first three are on offer at the weekend, as the reigning double winners Werder Bremen visit the VOLKSWAGENARENA in round 20. Read here what the Wolfsburg skipper thinks about things at the club at the present moment…

VfL Wolfsburg: Captain, "Travel to Freiburg, win there and come home again" – your battle cry ahead of the Freiburg game didn’t work out, why not?

Stefan Schnoor: We didn’t turn the chances we created into goals.

Erik Gerets said after the game that one mistake was enough to lose that match. Was that decisive mistake the difference between the two sides in Freiburg?

Stefan Schnoor: Matches are decided by mistakes, were made one and weren’t able to make Freiburg pay for their mistakes.

Cedrik Makiadi from the Wolves amateur side made his debut in Freiburg. Did Erik Gerets’ decision to play him in the role of D’Alessandro surprise you How do you assess Makiadi’s performance?

Stefan Schnoor: I wasn’t surprised by the decision, Eddi had done well fort he amateurs. He was ready to be thrown in at the deep end, and in my opinion he did his job well.

The Wolves have several injury problems. Hristov, D’Alessandro, Klimowicz and Rytter all missed the Freiburg match, and during the match Karhan went off injured after half an hour. At the end of the match both Brdaric and Thiam were seen to be limping. How is everyone doing? Do you have any news for us from the injury front?

Stefan Schnoor: I don’t think that the injuries sustained in Freiburg were serious, and I think everyone will be fit for Sunday.

To add insult to injury, Kevin Hofland was sent off and will be missing for the crucial game against Werder. It will be difficult compensating such losses.

Stefan Schnoor: That’s why we have a squad of 24 players. Its up to others to do a job for us.

The season goals announced during the winter break regarding Champions League football next season and indeed winning the Bundesliga title have moved further out of reach. Does the club now have to reset its targets for the season?

Stefan Schnoor: No, I don’t think so. I know that we have started badly, but there are still 15 matches to be played and 45 points up for grabs. We will try to grab the first three of them against Bremen on Sunday.

You haven’t started a match since December 4th 2004, that could change against Bremen…

Stefan Schnoor: It could change, but that decision is up to the coach.

Werder hasn’t shown the kind of form like they did last season. They lost away to Schalke and then beat Rostock at home. What kind of game do you expect on Sunday?

Stefan Schnoor: The games between the two sides are always close and physical, I expect Sunday’s match to be the same. We are expecting a good crowd, and Werder will be bringing plenty of fans with them to Wolfsburg, so a good atmosphere is guaranteed, it should be a good game.

Is there anything you would like to say to the Wolves fans?

Stefan Schnoor: Our fans have every right to criticise our performances. They pay money to come and watch us and can offer their opinion. It is however crucial that they continue to get behind the team. If the team is in a situation where things are going badly and the fans withhold their support, things are made much more difficult.

Thanks very much skipper, good luck for Sunday.