Born in Bochum, Hannes Wolf only played in the Oberliga during his playing career but he has already made a name for himself as a coach at a young age. While studying sport at the Ruhr University in Bochum, he worked as a coach at SG Eintracht Ergste. After moving on to ASC Dortmund he was then signed up by Borussia Dortmund.
At BVB, Wolf – at the age of just 28 – first became the assistant coach with the second team where he worked with players including Sven Bender and a year later he was head coach of the Dortmund U19 side. After that, Wolf also played a leading role with the second team as well as the U17s, winning the German U17 Championship in 2014 and 2015. A year later, he secured the national title with the U19s as well.
Second division VfB Stuttgart heard about Hannes Wolf and signed him up. After arriving in September 2016, the new coach led the Swabian side to the second division title and an immediate return to the top division. Wolf was at VfB for one and a half years. After a couple of months out, he was snapped up by Hamburg SV. The man from Bochum worked in the Hanseatic city for a year as he did with his following employers, the Belgian top-flight club KRC Genk where he took part in the Champions League.
Since October 2020, Wolf has been working for the German Football Association (DFB) as the Germany U18 coach. Bayer 04 appointed the 39-year-old coach as successor to the Dutchman Peter Bosz on 23 March 2021.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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