New Wolfsburg sporting director Pirmin Schwegler (38) speaks on being ‘third choice’ candidate and addresses Niclas Füllkrug rumors | OneFootball

After his appointment as new VfL Wolfsburg sporting director was officially confirmed, Pirmin Schwegler’s new Bundesliga outfit introduced him to the press yesterday. Kicker reports that Wolfsburg have paid Eintracht Frankfurt €250,000 to secure Schwegler’s services. The 38-year-old’s new contract with Germany’s green company team runs until 2030.

Schwegler was unveiled to members of the assembled media flanked by Wolfsburg’s managing director Peter Chrstiansen; an administrative figure who may or may not be carrying on with the club. Interestingly, Christiansen’s contract was not extended in conjunction with Schwegler’s installment. The club has thus declined to commit to a joint path involving the two. 

Christiansen and Schwegler commented on this issue during what was a rather awkward media round. The new front office duo sought to clarify the parameters of the new working relationship and project some optimism ahead of a complex set of challenges. 

Pirmin Schwegler on not being the ‘first choice’:

Schwegler was asked what it felt like to be, at best, the third choice for the job. It’s well known that Wolfsburg attempted to recruit Hoffenheim’s Andreas Schicker and Hannover’s Marcus Mann prior to him. Schwegler cleverly made reference to Bayern Munich’s prolonged search for a head coach in the summer of 2024.

“It doesn’t matter if I was Plan A, Plan B, or Plan Z,” Schwegler said. “Vincent Kompany wasn’t the first-choice solution at Bayern either, but now everyone is happy with him.“

On how the administrative roles with be delegated:

Christiansen once again got defensive when asked how he and Schwegler would be sharing power. The Dane – working in Germany for the first time – made reference to the unique way in which all Bundesliga clubs have their front offices set up differently. 

“I’m the boss,” Christiansen stressed. “But I think this question of power is a bit strange in Germany. I allow a lot of leeway. It’s not a ‘one-man show’. One person alone cannot do it. It’s all about putting the club first.”

“I got to know Peter as an absolute team player who delegates trust and responsibility,” Schwegler added. “That was also a decisive factor in my decision to come aboard.“

On the search for a new head coach:

There is some talk of interim head coach Daniel Bauer – following last weekend’s Bundesliga win over Union Berlin – receiving a permanent appointment. Christiansen appeared content to simply have the matter of having hired a sporting director settled. Bauer will definitely remain on the bench until 2026.

“That’s a process that will take a lot of time,” Christiansen said. “It’s an immensely important decision. Pirmin has to settle in and assess everything himself. We can’t promise a decision in five, ten, or 14 days.“

On the subject of January transfers:

Schwegler deflected a question about the club’s purported efforts to acquire German national team striker Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham United. The Schwegler appointment certainly left some some wondering if Schwegler’s connections to Füllkrug (the two played together at Hannover 96) was related to his hiring. 

“I actually know a lot of people and remain in contact with many of them,” Schwegler admitted. “But it definitely makes no sense to comment on rumors here and now.”

GGFN | Peter Weis