Soccer Bundesliga - New Wolfsburg boss: Loyalty to club, team and jersey
Peter Christiansen, the new sports manager at VfL Wolfsburg, presented himself confidently at the club. "Don't believe that just because it's Bayern Munich or Chelsea, their departments function better," said the 49-year-old Dane at his first press conference for the Bundesliga team. "I want to bring this mindset and ambition to Wolfsburg."
Christiansen worked as a professional football director for FC Copenhagen in the past three years. In Wolfsburg, he was hired as the sports manager and successor to Marcel Schäfer, who joined RB Leipzig.
Sebastian Schindzielorz was also a candidate for this position. The 45-year-old will remain at VfL despite the decision in favor of Christiansen and has already extended his contract as sports director until 2028. This was announced by the supervisory board chairman Frank Witter.
FC Copenhagen as a Role Model
Both Christiansen and Witter stated that the table positions of 12, 8, and 12 in the past three years did not meet the expectations of VfL. "We are capable of performing better than we have in the past," said the new sports manager.
The Copenhagen model is an example for this. "We have developed an incredibly ambitious strategy with a budget of 30 million Euros. It brought us to the Champions League, even into the top 16 last season," said Christiansen. "It's about strategy, structure, a clear playing idea, scouting, and the signing of players. All these parameters must align. And if they don't, we have no chance. We will find our own way here."
Sebastian Kehl, a renowned figure in German soccer, expressed his support for Christiansen's appointment, having worked together at FC Copenhagen. "Peter is one of the most loyal and dedicated individuals I've ever met in the world of sport," said Kehl, hailing from Bavaria.
In the Soccer Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg will aim to emulate FC Bayern Munich's success, with Christiansen citing the Bavarian giants as a source of inspiration. "We should learn from the best, and FC Bayern is the epitome of that," he stated, donning a proud Wolfsburg jersey.
The Lower Saxony club will look to reinforce their squad this summer, with transfers likely to happen given Christiansen's experience in the transfer market from his time at FC Copenhagen. Even Chelsea FC, famed for their scouting network, has shown interest in some of Wolfsburg's talents, under the guidance of Fredi Bobic.
Christiansen's tenure at VfL Wolfsburg will undoubtedly be closely watched in German soccer circles. His background in soccer and his previous successes at FC Copenhagen will give him a unique perspective on managing the Bundesliga team.
Looking ahead, Christiansen expressed his ambition to bringུ the same level of success to VfL Wolfsburg that FC Copenhagen achieved under his leadership. The new sports manager is determined to guide the club towards greater heights in the soccer world.
As Christiansen takes charge of VfL Wolfsburg, he remains cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. "We know that every game is a battle, but we are ready to fight. Our goal is to climb the tables and make Wolfsburg a force to be reckoned with in the Bundesliga," he asserted.
In conclusion, Peter Christiansen's appointment marks a new era for VfL Wolfsburg. With the support of Frank Witter, Sebastian Schindzielorz, and the entire VfL community, Christiansen is determined to lead the club to new heights and bring glory to German soccer.
