Wolfsburg's start of the season resulted in a lot of mixed emotions surrounding them. It all started with a 2-0 defeat to Hannover; in which Die Wölfe were reduced to nine men. Youngster Maxi Arnold was dismissed for a rash challenge, where as debutant Timm Klose saw his debut shattered - earning a second bookable offence. By no means that start Wolfsburg were after. However, spirits were lifted a week later at the VW Arena as Schalke were in town. Luiz Gustavo's arrival was a massive confidence boost for the Wolves, in need of a response after a dismal result the previous matchday. That afternoon was riddled with positives come the final whistle; as Wolfsburg had torn Schalke apart 4-0. An absolute rout of one of the supposed best teams in the Bundesliga. After such a result, one would have expected the Wolves to use it as a platform to climb the table. The opposite happened. Incosistency was the theme as Wolfsburg lost their next three away games and won the next two home games. Losses against Mainz, Leverkusen and Bayern with wins against Hertha and Hoffenheim crammed in the middle. Wolfsburg were taking one step forward only to be dragged back. Then the unthinkable happened..
Eintracht Braunschweig were in town. Wolfsburg and Braunschweig, local rivals within Lower Saxony, were due to meet again after twenty-eight years without facing eachother. Newly promoted Braunschweig had yet to take three points against any of the teams they had faced in their previous matches. On paper, it was an expected three points for Wolfsburg, against the newly promoted side without a win. The opposite happened - Braunschweig run Wolfsburg ragged on the VW Arena pitch; coming out eventual 2-0 victors. The Wolfsburg faithful were stunned. Naldo went over to apologise to the fans for an abysmal showing, whilst a lot of the players were booed off of the field. Little passion, desire or commitment was on display from the Wolfsburg players. They almost looked content with the result. Some fans, or 'ultras' if you like, sent an open letter to the squad deeming them not fit to were the jersey. It was evident just how large the sentimental and traditional values of the fixtures held amongst the fans, yet they paid to see their team fold like wet cardboard. VfL had slipped as low as 12th in the Bundesliga standings, showing little to no signs of improving.
Since that defeat, Wolfsburg's fortunes, performances and form has changed for the better. Perhaps the fans reaction has sunk in and spurred them on, maybe? Whatever the key factors were, Wolfsburg were on the rise. Nine games remained until the winter break for Wolfsburg to gain momentum and pick up as many points as possible. Vital wins against Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Stuttgart mixed with the recent draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach has reignitied hope amongst Wolfsburg supporters for the second half of the season.
As for the hinrunde, if anyone doubted Wolfsburg mounting a challenge for European football, they have been silenced. There's optimism amongst fans and the squad that they can qualify for the Europa League, if not the Champions League. For a Europa League slot, Wolfsburg are most likely going to be fighting with Hertha and Schalke. Possibly Hannover if they can find their feet under new manager, Korfut. Yet the possibility of a Champions League spot remains in all it's glory; regardless of people's individual expectations for Die Wölfe. With Dortmund slipping gradually down the top four, despite having an injury crisis, as well as high flying Gladbach who are now third, Wolfsburg will look to capitalise were possible to jump into the top four. For now, you cannot rule Wolfsburg out, nor expect them to qualify with ease. It'll be a tight squeeze if they manage it.
For the second-half of the season, Wolfsburg need to keep up the positive displays and attitude that currently surrounds them. Hecking's managed to get the best out of the vast majority of his squad, proving pivotal in their push for European football. Maxi Arnold has popped up with some vital goals whereas Robin Knoche has formed a promising partnership with Naldo, in the heart of Wolfsburg's defence. Ricardo Rodriguez has been immense on the left-side of Wolfsburg's defence whilst proving his worth in attack; chipping in with goals and assists.
As for Dieter Hecking, he's doing a splendid job at Wolfsburg. Brick by brick, he's laying the foundations of what could be an extremely strong Wolfsburg side in seasons to come. Whilst Allofs is the brains behind the transfers and bolstering the squad externally, Hecking's has set-up his squad well. Consistently he chooses the same starting eleven which has provided a positive outcome. As for their current style that Hecking's adapted, it has worked well. An overload on attacking the flanks and filling the box has proven a simple masterstroke from Dieter Hecking - one that has been fruitful for Ricardo Rodriguez, arguably Die Wölfe's best player this term. All that is missing is clinical finishing. If anyone of the current crop can step up to the plate, or a reinforcement in January, then Wolfsburg could push on even further.
Easily, Hecking and Allofs have been the largest factor on Wolfsburg's revival since they were appointed in their respective roles. The stability in management has been a massive boost, and one that the club should reap the benefits from in the long-term. Under Hecking's guidance, with a progressive hinrunde, the second-half of the season holds a lot of promise for Wolfsburg. They'll be hoping to finish their season in a similar position they currently occupy. They'll be one of the sides to look when the season resumes, for sure.