time to run over those little Volkswagens

By: 21 | November 21st, 2008

With the exception of a few clubs in the Bundesliga, I can honestly say I appreciate virtually every sides tactical approach and overall play, regardless where they stand in the table. Of-course I said a “few clubs” and without a doubt, one of the few clubs I have issues with is Wolfsburg, who although they are very good team, seem to spend a lot of time going to the ground and possess a fear of actually defending.

As die Roten travel north to face Wolfsburg at Volkswagen Arena all is not perfect with Armin Veh’s side. The club is rooted mid-table with a deplorable record on the road, the victim of an unnerving habit of horrible defensive lapses and without a win in four matches. Defensive weaknesses clearly must be recalled as last year Vfb were gutted 4-0 in Wolfsburg and cannot allow the hosts to have their way in the attack. Armin Veh noted simply:

“We need courage, otherwise it will be difficult. I don’t except a brilliant performance, but total commitment.”

Vfb will be without Yıldıray Baştürk, Danijel Ljuboja, Sami Khedira is questionable but Khalid Boulahrouz is available. There is some question of the availability of Pável Pardo and Ricardo Osorio who took part in the Sven-Göran Eriksson-led Mexico World Cup qualifying effort and only returned yesterday and the lineup will be severely challenged if they are kept out. Wolfsburg heads into the match relatively unscathed with Ashkan Dejagah doubtful due an injury sustained playing for Germany U-21’s and Josué might rest as he is returning from Brazil’s humiliation of Portugal.

Wolfsburg are a highly ambitious side that benefit from the deadly Bosnia and Herzegovina combination of Zvjezdan Misimović and Edin Džeko with Grafite in the attack. To overcome Wolfsburg you must borrow a chapter from Karlsruhe SC early season tactics against them and provided a blueprint that Bayern adopted mid-match and Bayer Leverkusen used throughout. A tight marking midfield and getting behind the ball will frustrate the free flowing attack however you additionally must be careful of their nasty habit of swooning in the area and attract chances from the spot.

Time for Stuttgart style and efficiency to teach Wolfsburg a lesson!