Three VfL Wolfsburg academy graduates made their first-team debuts during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign. In this interview, VfL Academy director Michael Gentner shares his thoughts on the young Wolves and looks back on an emotional 2023.
Michael Gentner, how would you sum up the first half of the season?
Michael: “The lads have really made great progress – I’m very happy. Here at the academy, the focus is on individual development. We don’t want to be defined by titles or cup victories, but rather by developing young players for the first team. Every day the coaches have worked hard with the players on their strengths and weaknesses, which is reflected in our results and in the table too.”
The Wolves’ U19 and U17 teams are both second in the table at the winter break. What are your thoughts on that?
Michael: “We’ve had a few more new additions to our U19 squad this season because we wanted to – and had to – strengthen in a few specific areas. The training camp in Opalenica played a great role in helping the lads settle into the team quickly. The week in Poland also showed that we’re heading in the right direction. I’d never have dreamed that the first half of the campaign would go so well.”
