Football Season Guide

Wolfsburg were little short of woeful last season and only survived on the last day of the campaign. Indeed, even on that fateful day of survival there was a spell when they were sitting in the automatic relegation spots and they will be anxious to avoid a repeat of what was a horrible experience. Ochs, Salihamidzic, Lakic, Russ and Traesch have all been signed with Bundesliga experience but there have been some notable departures too as the long-serving Riether and previous top scorer Grafite have now left the club. Wolfsburg, back by Volkswagen, are a small club with big pockets which does give them a somewhat bizarre outlook on life. They struggle to fill their modest stadium but still pay some of the highest wages in the top flight and will be looking to at least challenge for a return to Europe after two campaigns of missing out. Benaglio is a good `keeper but needs more help from a defence which, last term, was dismal. The attack also needs a strong start to get some much needed confidence back but with star player Diego exiled after a tantrum last season, there is also a big question mark over this area. The players here are good enough to do well but manager Magath did not turn things round immediately on his arrival last term and it is doubtful if his authoritative methods will work on a squad which is as complacent as it is talented.