Academy

“A Success for the Entire Academy”

In this interview, Academy Director Michael Gentner reflects on professional debuts, the U19s’ cup final and a winter full of changes.

The VfL Academy has experienced an eventful few months. From memorable moments on the pitch to important decisions behind the scenes, there were many defining highlights throughout the past season. Director Michael Gentner looks back and discusses the development of the Young Wolves.

Michael, what are your overall feelings when you look back on the past few months?

Michael Gentner: The situation surrounding the first team is naturally something that affects all of us. Relegation hurts deeply and will certainly take some time to process. If you look at the season in the academy in isolation, however, we can draw a very positive overall conclusion.

Which sporting moments stand out in your memory?

Gentner: Our goal is to develop players and staff so that they are ready for the professional game. That’s why the Bundesliga debuts of Jan Bürger and Pharell Hensel were very special moments. There were also further squad call-ups and training opportunities for players such as Trevor Benedict, Bruno Katz and Till Neininger, who recently signed his first professional contract as well. In addition, fitness coach Fabian Klotz made the step up to the first-team department before the season. Developments like these make us proud as an academy because they show that we are on the right path.

There was then a particular challenge around the turn of the year. How did you experience the period when Daniel Bauer, together with Tobias Holm and Julian Klamt, moved up to the first team?

Gentner: The winter break was actually a very intense period for us. Shortly before Christmas, it became clear that they would be taking permanent charge of the first team. For us, that meant making a number of personnel decisions for the U19s, U17s and U16s within a very short space of time. By the time everything had been settled in January, that winter break almost felt like a major summer overhaul. All the more pleasing, then, that everyone involved embraced the situation professionally and played their part.

Ankunft mit dem Mannschaftsbus: VfL-Wolfsburg-Akademie-Direktor Michael Gentner schlendert vor dem Mannschaftsbus.

The sporting highlight of the season was undoubtedly the DFB Cup final for the U19s in Potsdam. How significant was that experience for the academy?

Gentner: Very significant. Naturally, the focus is first and foremost on the team, which delivered outstanding performances throughout the season. At the same time, reaching the final was also a success for the entire academy. Many of the players have been supported and developed for years by a wide range of staff members – whether coaches, educators, physiotherapists, kit managers or many other colleagues. That’s why the final was something special for all of us. The weekend in Potsdam and Berlin will remain in the memories of many of us for a long time. Even though the disappointment of defeat was the dominant feeling immediately after the match, we can and should be proud of the journey we went on together.

The U19s and U17s were both eliminated in the round of 16 of the DFB Youth League. What is your assessment?

Gentner: Of course, we had hoped for more in both age groups. The disappointment was particularly great for the U19s after they had produced an exceptionally strong second half of the season. Following the major changes, the U17s needed some time for routines and automatisms to fall into place. However, the team developed very positively over the course of the second half of the season and deservedly qualified for the knockout stage. That’s why we shouldn’t reduce the season to a single match. Overall, both teams produced strong performances over many months.

We’ve already spoken about the U19s and U17s. How did the younger teams fare this season?

Gentner: The U15s successfully defended their title, while the U16s won their division by a considerable margin. What was particularly pleasing was the manner in which the teams performed. The younger age groups also produced strong displays at tournaments, collected numerous individual awards and celebrated tournament victories. Even more important for us, however, were the personal and footballing development steps they made. At these age levels in particular, development is clearly the top priority.

Attention is now slowly turning towards next season. How far along are your preparations?

Gentner: Very far along. In youth football, many decisions are made significantly earlier than in the professional game. The majority of our squad and staffing plans have already been in place for several months. That means we can focus entirely during pre-season on integrating new players and staff and laying the foundations for the upcoming campaign. We are convinced that we will once again field very strong teams.

What goals is the VfL Academy setting itself for the 2026/2027 season?

Gentner: Our task remains the same: we want to prepare the next generation for professional football in the best possible way. To do that, we need to continue developing the players technically, physically and personally. In an ideal world, they push the professionals hard in training and make the coach’s team selection decisions as difficult as possible. If we achieve that, then we will have fulfilled our mission.