VfL Wolfsburg have parted ways with head coach Daniel Bauer as the Bundesliga club struggles to escape the relegation zone.
The club confirmed the decision on Sunday, a day after a 2–1 home loss to Hamburger SV left Wolfsburg sitting second from bottom in the Bundesliga standings.
Wolfsburg also announced the departure of sporting managing director Peter Christiansen.
Currently 17th on the table, Wolfsburg are two points behind Werder Bremen, who occupy the relegation play-off position and are scheduled to face Union Berlin later on Sunday.
Sporting director Pirmin Schwegler described the decision as a difficult one.
“This was not an easy choice for us,” Schwegler said. “We had hoped to improve our situation together, but after carefully reviewing everything, we felt the team needed a fresh push to secure our place in the league.
“We are thankful to Daniel for his dedication to the first team and for the years he spent coaching in the VfL Academy. We wish him success in both his professional and personal future.”
Bauer took charge after Wolfsburg dismissed former manager Paul Simonis in November. Initially appointed on an interim basis, he was later given the role permanently after winning three of his first seven matches.
However, results soon declined. A heavy 8–1 defeat to Bayern Munich triggered a poor run in which Wolfsburg failed to win any of their next eight league games, managing only two points.
According to German media reports, former Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking is the frontrunner to take over and help the club avoid relegation.
Hecking previously led Wolfsburg to the DFB‑Pokal title in 2015 and guided the team to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga that same season.
Owned by Volkswagen, Wolfsburg have remained in Germany’s top division since earning promotion in 1997. With the season nearing its end, the club now faces a tense fight to maintain that long-standing top-flight status.