Wolfsburg vs Mainz preview - Wolves loving packed schedule

Posted Saturday, October 25, 2014 by PA

Wolfsburg are relishing their gruelling schedule of fixtures, according to their coach Dieter Hecking.

After a long trip to Russia in the Europa League on Thursday evening, the Wolves host Mainz on Sunday, with Hecking insisting tiredness will not be a problem as long as the results are good.

A 4-2 win over Krasnodar and a strong position in the Bundesliga gave the former Nurnberg coach no reason to moan about the packed schedule.

"When you are winning, you don't feel the strain anyway," he said. "This is the kind of rhythm that we wanted and, up to now, we're really enjoying it."

It is the rhythm Mainz had hoped for too, but they fell short of reaching the Europa League group stage when they were eliminated in the qualifying round.

Since losing that tie with Asteras Tripolis and again in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, Kasper Hjulmand's men have not lost once in the Bundesliga this season, setting a new club record in the process.

"They're really strong opponents and are really going to put us to the test," added Hecking.

Wolfsburg are on a good run of their own, however, and will be favourites for the points at the VW-Arena, according to Hjulmand.

"They've won four of their last five games and they are getting better and better by the game," said the Dane.

"We know they are a good team and that it's no problem for them to deal with the strains.

"They've got a good squad and they played well in Krasnodar. I think they're going to be fresh and ready for Sunday."

Hjulmand may be able to give Koo Ja-cheol a run-out, although he says the South Korean is not yet 100 per cent fit.

Ricardo Rodriguez is set to return to the Wolfsburg starting XI after missing out on Thursday, although Hecking has praised Marcel Schafer for doing an excellent job in the place of the Switzerland international.