Key Takeaways:
- Wolfsburg dismissed manager Paul Simonis and his assistants following a third consecutive defeat, a 1-2 loss to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Friday
- The side has registered seven defeats in their past eight matches and recorded only two victories from their ten league fixtures this season
- Youth coach Daniel Bauer will take charge of the first team on an interim basis, with Wolfsburg set to face Bayer Leverkusen at home on 22 November after the international break
Simonis’ Tenure Ends Amid Poor Form
Wolfsburg have parted company with head coach Paul Simonis after a disappointing start to the Bundesliga campaign. The decision comes after a 1-2 home defeat to Werder Bremen on Friday, which marked the club’s third loss in succession. This recent downturn has also seen Wolfsburg eliminated from the German Cup by second-tier Holstein Kiel.
🚨🐺 BREAKING | VfL Wolfsburg have parted ways with Paul #Simonis with immediate effect!
The decision was communicated to the 40 y/o Dutchman in the past few hours. Talks with potential successors are now taking place in the background.@Sky_SvenT @SkySportDE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/M67jAj7CjE
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 9, 2025
Simonis, aged 40, was brought in during June following his remarkable achievement in guiding Go Ahead Eagles to an unexpected Dutch Cup triumph in April. However, since his arrival, the Wolves have managed merely two wins from ten league outings, suffering seven defeats in their last eight fixtures.
Coaching Changes and Club Reaction
In addition to Simonis, assistant coaches Peter van der Ween, Tristan Berghuis, and Martin Darneville have also been relieved of their duties.
Wolfsburg’s sporting director, Peter Kristiansen, stated: “This step hurts me personally. Nevertheless, we must admit that in football, results and points ultimately matter, and the events of recent weeks have not developed the way we all hoped. After intense discussions with the Supervisory Board, we concluded that a change is necessary to bring stability and success on the pitch. We all bear responsibility for the current situation – the sporting management, the coaching staff, the players, and the entire club.”
Bauer Appointed Interim Coach Ahead of Leverkusen Test
Responsibility for the first team now falls to Daniel Bauer, who serves as coach of the club’s U19 side. He will oversee first team affairs “until further notice.” Notably, Bauer supervised the final two matches of last season, following the dismissal of Ralph Hasenhüttl after a sequence of eight games without a win.
Wolfsburg’s upcoming fixture will see them host Bayer Leverkusen on 22 November, after the scheduled international break.
