As coach of VfL Wolfsburg, Niko Kovac has to wait for his first three. Schalke’s Simon Terodde missed two penalties.
Third attempt, again no victory: The Wolfsburg pros and their coach Niko Kovac couldn’t believe it. While Schalke’s promoted team celebrated the 0-0 win at the self-proclaimed European Cup contenders with their fans, captain Maximilian Arnold and his team-mates put their hands on their hips and stared into space.
“We have to be honest with ourselves: We have planned a lot more. There’s no question about that,” said VfL sporting director Marcel Schäfer sky and above all criticized the poor evaluation of opportunities: “We missed a lot of opportunities.”
After the 2-2 win against Werder Bremen, the Wolves were unable to get beyond a goalless draw against the second league newcomer – they were even lucky that guest attacker Simon Terodde missed two penalties.
A week after the 2-2 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach, it was Schalke’s second point win since returning to the top flight. Although VfL acted in the second round with sometimes oppressive superiority and created a few chances, the royal blue saved the 0-0 with passion over time.
“We begged a bit between the 60th and the 75th and were too passive, but the boys deserved it,” said sporting director Rouven Schröder.
Wolfsburg only draw: Guilavogui goal does not count
It got curious in injury time in the first half, when Terodde made two misses that should appear in any season review. After the top scorer of the second division last season was awarded a penalty, he was denied by VfL goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Because the Belgian was too far in front of the line, the penalty was repeated. Again Terodde aimed down right – again Casteels parried. “In the end I look like shit, I take responsibility,” said Terodde on Sky.
Max Kruse once again caused a stir in Wolfsburg. The extroverted attacker was not in the starting line-up against Schalke either – for the third time this season. “Those who train well and hard must be rewarded,” Kovac explained his action rather dryly. After the game he added succinctly to Sky: “I think we saw a very good performance in the second half and a decent one in the first half.” He did not want to give an individual criticism of Kruse, who came on as a substitute in the 59th minute.
Without Kruse, the wolves were pretty toothless at first. Without pressure, ideas and creativity, VfL could not seriously endanger the league newcomer. The hosts increased the number of strokes in the second half – and created a few chances.
First Jakub Kaminski got stuck from close range (55′), then Maxence Lacroix headed wide of the goal (56′), before Kruse caused danger three minutes after his substitution with a volley (62′) and a supposed goal by Josuha Guilavogui Offside was not given (66th).
VfL Wolfsburg – FC Schalke 04: The data for the game
Wolfsburg: Casteels – Bornauw (46 Baku), Lacroix, van de Ven, Paulo Otavio – Guilavogui, Arnold – Kaminski (76 Paredes), Svanberg (59 Kruse), Marmoush (59 Philipp) – Lukas Nmecha. – Coach: Kovac
Special occurrences: Casteels (Wolfsburg) saves a penalty kick after video evidence from Terodde (45 + 1) – Penalty is retaken, Casteels (Wolfsburg) saves a penalty kick after video evidence from Terodde (45 + 3)
