First Team

“Happy to be here”

Teenager Anselmo Garcia MacNulty discusses his first training camp with the senior squad.

Barely a month has passed since Anselmo Garcia MacNulty signed a deal to stay at VfL Wolfsburg until 2024 – the teenager’s first professional contract of his fledgling career. The 18-year-old has been involved with the first team ever since the Wolves returned for pre-season training on 1 July, taking part in all VfL’s training sessions and friendly matches. In a short interview, MacNulty reflects on the experience and reveals what he has learned during his first training camp with the senior team.

Anselmo, this is your first training camp with the senior side. How does it feel to be here?

Anselmo Garcia MacNulty: “As a young player, it’s a special experience to be part of the first team and to train with them. I’m still learning a lot here, but it’s hard work too. I’m pretty exhausted after the first two days, but I’m still happy to be here, to have the opportunity to prove myself to the coaching team and to play when needed.”

You signed your first professional contract with VfL this summer. What are your goals for your first season with the Wolves first team?

Anselmo: “First and foremost, I obviously want to continue training with the first team and, if possible, make my debut in a competitive match. I want to keep improving and improving and improving. I’m working hard to do just that.”

Does it help your development to train with players who have experience at Bundesliga and international level?

Anselmo: “Definitely. You always improve even more when you’re able to train with better players and when the overall quality of the squad is at a higher level. You see how the others play and learn new solutions to certain situations. I can learn a lot from the experienced players. I learn something new every day.”

What role does coach Mark van Bommel have to play in your development process?

Anselmo: “The coach was a great player who played for well-known teams in his career and won a lot of caps for the Dutch national team. I have a lot of respect for him. I obviously listen carefully when he explains something, because I know it’ll help me.”