The VfL Wolfsburg U19s head into the final match of an intensive English week full of confidence. After two away wins in Kiel (3–0) and Dortmund (4–2), as well as securing early qualification for the German championship finals, the Green-and-Whites are aiming to follow up with another victory at home against FC Augsburg on Sunday, 19 April, kicking off at 11am.
Short recovery
The strain of recent days has not gone unnoticed. “You could tell that the away games, with the travel involved, brought a certain level of exertion—especially because we travelled to Dortmund and back on the same day,” explained head coach Niklas Bräuer. The short break was therefore all the more important to “be back at full freshness against Augsburg.” The team’s current strong form is particularly evident in attack: seven goals from the last two matches speak for themselves. “We have tremendous cutting edge in the final third and very high quality,” said Bräuer. At the same time, the defence is also solid: just seven goals conceded in eight matches underline the team’s compact and collective work off the ball.
Squad depth impresses
A key to success also lies in the depth of the squad. Substitutes in particular have been providing important impetus—most recently Kai Sticherling, who scored after coming off the bench in Dortmund. “The lads bring real sharpness from the bench. I’m pleased to see how they’re developing and making the most of their moments,” said Bräuer. The win in Dortmund was not only valuable in sporting terms, but also mentally. “It’s not a given to score four goals and win there. It gives us confidence for the coming weeks,” the coach emphasised. With qualification for the finals already secured, a major seasonal objective has been achieved—and anticipation for the knockout phase is accordingly high: “These are special matches with a do-or-die character.”
Full focus
For now, however, full attention is on the home game against Augsburg. Despite the clear 5–0 win in the reverse fixture, Bräuer warns against underestimating the opponent: “The result doesn’t reflect their quality. It will be a difficult task.” The key, he says, is “to dominate the game on the ball, find our rhythm and bring our style of play onto the pitch.” There could be slight adjustments in terms of personnel. “We want to keep the lads in rhythm, but also provide fresh impetus,” explained Bräuer. One thing is clear: the team wants to continue its strong run—and reward itself for an intensive week with another positive result.
