First Team

“No reason to be fazed”

An interview with Maximilian Arnold ahead of the trip to FC Augsburg.

In the build-up to VfL Wolfsburg’s visit to Augsburg this weekend, Max Arnold reveals what the Wolves will need to do in order to be successful, and reflects on his time in the U19s ahead of the upcoming semi-final fixture.

Maximilian Arnold, let us travel back to 2011. What do you think we want to ask you?

Maximilian Arnold: “I can imagine that you’re referring to my Bundesliga debut in Augsburg.”

Incorrect. First we’d like to talk about the U19 team’s semi-final match on Saturday. After all, you were in the same position with the U19s around 14 years ago. Can you still remember it?

Maximilian: “I remember it very clearly. It was at the Porschestadion against a Freiburg team led by Christian Streich. I scored a really good goal but then missed a penalty in the shootout. We were knocked out in a really heartbreaking way.”

Your career path serves as a prime example for our U19s. Do you maintain a certain connection to the academy, given that you’ve had such an impact at the club? And will you be watching from afar on Saturday?

Maximilian: “I always keep an eye on their results. I’ve managed to watch a couple of games recently, in particular the DFB Cup matches. I’ll definitely be able to keep tabs on the first half of the match in Karlsruhe on Saturday, but unfortunately the second half will probably coincide with our lunch time. I hope I’ll be able to celebrate the boys reaching the final after that though.”

The VfL first team is also in action on Saturday. And as you mentioned earlier, you made your debut in Augsburg. Do you still remember your 17-year-old self when you take to the pitch there?

Maximilian: “No, he’s long gone (laughs). It’s obviously incredibly special to play for the same club for so long. The 13 years since I made my debut in Augsburg is an unbelievably long time in football, but it’s not something I think about anymore when I’m there. Playing in Augsburg has long since been a normal Bundesliga game for me, just like any other.”

What’s the atmosphere like in the team going into the fixture? You’re on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga but have also experienced disappointment recently.

Maximilian: “I think you should always see the glass as being half full. We obviously hoped to take more from our home games, but we shouldn’t forget that we’ve only lost once in 2025. I’ll certainly be travelling to Augsburg with a good feeling, even if we’re well aware that we’ll be facing a really strong team.”

That’s true. In fact, Augsburg are the only Bundesliga side not to have lost yet in the second half of the season.

Maximilian: “There’s no doubt it’ll be a tough game in a fiery atmosphere, as it usually is in Augsburg. We’ll need to be prepared for that and stand our ground. We’ve got no reason to hide or be fazed.”