Pre-Match Notes: After a disappointing loss and performance against Bayern Munich, VfL Wolfsburg is back to face SC Freiburg in the Frauen Bundesliga regular season. Wolfsburg is looking to regain their number one spot in the standings, after losing it to Bayern Munich.

VfL Wolfsburg isn’t doing well at the moment. The team is definitely struggling when it comes to their midfield and attack, and as seen in their last match against Bayern Munich, there was little to no control in the midfield, and not much of an attack from Wolfsburg, until the second half. Lately, Wolfsburg seems to have trouble with their chemistry and finding an attacking rhythm. In the match against Bayern, it was surprising to see Wolfsburg, who were called many times last season, a “ruthless machine,” not being able to get their attack off until the second half. Even then, the lack of connection in the attack, in the box, along with poor finishing, was very apparent and did nothing to convince fans that this team is still a “ruthless machine,” a force to be reckoned with.

There needs to be changes moving forward if Wolfsburg wants to be successful this season, and get back to the top of the Frauen Bundesliga standings. Some fans think head coach Tommy Stroot needs to be let go, while others think there needs to be more rotation in the lineup. Some believe both of those things need to happen in order for Wolfsburg to go back to their winning ways.

While I can’t comment on whether Stroot should be fired or not, I can point out that, tactically, there hasn’t been much change from Wolfsburg’s past games. Wolfsburg has yet to see improvement in the areas where they needed to do better. The backline is still the same, making the same defensive mistakes and errors. The attack is still struggling to connect with each other and connect where it counts. There needs to be changes in regards to mentality, tactics, and strategy. There also needs to be a goal in mind for the team and players.

For example, in Lyon’s match against Paris FC last weekend, head coach Sonia Bompastor said she had her team working on volleys leading up to the match. Then, when Lyon played against Paris FC, Eugénie Le Sommer’s first goal, in the first minute of the game, was off a volley.

The questions here are, what are Wolfsburg’s goals moving forward? What is Wolfsburg’s goal for this match against Freiburg, besides wanting to win it? What steps is the team, coaching staff, and Tommy Stroot taking in order to secure a win against SC Freiburg? The team and the players need to have a goal in mind, and it can be something as simple as working on and scoring from volleys.

Fans, journalists, and myself can keep identifying the problem areas for this team, however if nothing is being done to fix, or correct these issues, it’s not going to get any better for Wolfsburg. Unless drastic changes are made, Wolfsburg are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders, Lynn Wilms, Kathy Hendrich, Marina Hegering, and Nuria Rábano. In the midfield and attack Lena Lattwein, Chantal Hagel, Svenja Huth, Vivien Endemann, Alexandra Popp, and Ewa Pajor.

Good to see Merle Frohms back in the starting eleven. Unfortunately, the team is missing Lena Oberdorf for this one. Wolfsburg reported earlier this week that she was experiencing some back pain and will have to miss this match. Popp could drop back to play in Oberdorf’s position, or Lattwein could move back into that defensive midfield position, while Hagel stays more centrally. When it comes to Hagel, I would like to see her make her presence more known in the midfield.

When it comes to the backline, Rábano starting is an interesting switch from Felicitas Rauch. Rábano has done well whenever she would get subbed on, so it’s good to see her getting more play time.

Endemann is starting up top in the attack. Much like Huth and Brand, Endemann is good at coming up the wings, and her services and crosses have been good as well. It’s going to come down to whether players can get in the box and connect with her passes. Connection in the box is something this team has been struggling with. If Wolfsburg wants to win this match and have a successful season, they have to get that sorted out. They have to start connecting in the attack and scoring goals.

First Half Notes

Wolfsburg 2-0.

Good first half. Great goals from Pajor and Endemann. This is a far cry from the match against Bayern last weekend. Wolfsburg is getting their attack forward. There are more crosses and services coming in from the wings. That connection and support in the box is something Wolfsburg still needs to work on, but at least we’re starting to see more of that drive and press in the attack.

Fenna Kalma had to come in early for Alexandra Popp, most likely due to an injury. Popp was able to come off on her own, which is usually a good sign; it might not be a serious season-ending injury. When it comes to Kalma, I’m interested to see what she brings to the attack. I would like to see her connect with these crosses and services coming in. More play time for her, means she’ll get more adjusted to Wolfsburg’s attack.

When it comes to the backline, I was really impressed with Rábano. She’s had some good crosses and services into the box. Her touches on the ball have been good. Her communication with Huth and Pajor may need more adjustment, but she’s overall a solid left-back. Defensively, she has been able to keep up with Freiburg’s attacking players, and has been able to chase down Freiburg’s through balls. This is definitely what Wolfsburg has been missing in their backline.

Second Half/Closing Notes

VfL Wolfsburg wins 4-0.

Overall, this was a good performance from Wolfsburg. Good goals from Pajor, Endemann, and Lattwein. There was good back and forth between both Wolfsburg and Freiburg, but ultimately Wolfsburg took control and maintained their attack. Wolfsburg’s attack was getting forward and, like the first half, there were plenty of crosses and services into the Freiburg box. Connection in the box still needs some touching up here and there. I would like to see Kalma getting on the ball more and making attempts on goal, but the fact that she has been getting in the box is good. Eventually, she’ll start connecting more with those crosses coming in.

When it came to the backline and defense, they had some shaky moments, but overall, they did well in this match. What came to my mind while watching this was the word, disciplined. There appeared to be more discipline from the defenders. I don’t know if it’s because Stroot and the training staff are finally working on the backline, or Merle Frohms is back and she’s instructing/organizing them. Perhaps it’s a combination of both. Either way, there needs to be consistency from Wolfsburg’s backline and defense in their upcoming games.

When it comes to defenders, Rábano impressed me with her footwork, movement on the ball, pace, and defending. I would like to see more of her in Wolfsburg’s upcoming games. She’ll be beneficial in both Wolfsburg’s attack press and defense.

Overall, this performance from Wolfsburg shows that there is still life in this team. The challenge for Wolfsburg is going to be consistency and whether the team will maintain a level of consistency in regards to their defense, midfield, and attack. Slowly but surely, the “ruthless machine” that is Wolfsburg will make its comeback. For now, the team is on the right track, and appears to be taking steps in the right direction.