UEFA Cup: The View From Germany

Last updated : 03 December 2008 By Jim Bonner
As part of the build up towards Pompey's huge UEFA Cup match in Germany, Wolfsburg fan John Davies has kindly agreed to answer the questions I have asked about his team and his thoughts ahead of the match.

How familiar are Wolfsburg fans with Portsmouth FC? Are they well known in Germany?

I think most Wolfsburg fans are very familiar with Portsmouth, the Harry Redknapp situation has added a lot of interest to the club.

What do you think of the Portsmouth team? Are there any particular players that worry you?

You have a host of exciting players such as Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar. You have the "perfect" team to take advantage of Wolfsburg's defensive problems.

Many Pompey fans will be familiar with the most popular clubs in Germany such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. How popular are Wolfsburg compared to these clubs?

That's a tough one for me to answer personally as I believe that Wolfsburg are very well supported. However, you can't ignore the long-term "institutional" aspect of teams like Dortmund, Stuttgart, Monchengladbach, Frankfurt and Bayern Munich.

Is the UEFA Cup popular with Wolfsburg fans? Can we expect a full house at the Volkswagen Arena?

Yes, it will be a sell out.

What is the Volkswagen Arena like?

It is a nice venue, smaller than many in the Bundesliga (30,000 capacity) but you get a good view of the pitch, you're close to the action and the facilities are good. The cafe inside is very nice as well.

What are the Wolfsburg fans generally like? Is there a hooligan element within the club?

You won't have any problems and I know you will enjoy your time here.

The one link between Pompey and Wolfsburg is Andres D'Alessandro. He was a big hit with the fans at Fratton Park so why didn't it work out in Germany?

I'm not 100% sure why he left to be honest. I don't think he enjoyed Germany for personal reasons.

Pompey fans will be staying in Hannover and Wolfsburg prior to the game. What are the main attractions of these cities?

Both are very fun cities with very good natured fans so there shouldn't be any problems.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the Wolfsburg team? Who are the danger men?

We play a very attacking 4-4-2 diamond formation. Watch out for Zvjezdan Misimovic to lead the attack and support fellow countryman Edin Zvenko and his strike partner Grafite. Azzuri-capped Andrea Barzagli and Christian Zaccardo protect the backline.

I expect Wolfsburg to try and win the match - they rarely "play safe" and will go on the attack constantly. I expect your fans not only to enjoy Wolfsburg and Germany but to also enjoy the Bundesliga style of play and a high scoring match.

Finally, care to make a prediction for the game?

I'm horrible at predictions but believe you can expect a high scoring game!