This Friday evening, Ahrweiler BC kicks off the new Rheinlandliga season with an away game against VfB Wissen. After an intensive and successful preparation, head coach Mike Wunderlich approaches his first competitive match in charge with a great deal of optimism, clear goals, and a deep sense of trust in the team. In an interview, the former professional player, who took over as coach in the district town this summer, discusses his first few weeks in the Ahr Valley, his footballing philosophy, and what he plans to achieve with ABC.
Interview with Mike Wunderlich, head coach of Ahrweiler BC
Mike, you've been in office for a few weeks now. What's your initial assessment of the preparations and your start at the ABC?
Mike Wunderlich:
Very positive. I was welcomed with open arms from day one – by the club, by the environment, and most importantly by the team. We had a very intensive, but also really good pre-season. There was a lot of energy in it. Of course, there are always things we need to work on, but the first steps make me very confident.
What was particularly important to you within the coaching team during this phase?
Mike Wunderlich:
Above all, that we quickly lay a foundation – mentally and in terms of play. We wanted to get our idea of football into the boys' heads as quickly as possible. It was about developing a feel for what we want to stand for: courageous, active, with energy and clear processes – in all phases of the game. That takes time, but the team pulled together wonderfully.
You bring it up – the team. What kind of team did you take over?
Mike Wunderlich:
A really exciting team. There's a solid core that has remained – and the new additions have brought a lot of quality. Many of the guys already knew each other, which made getting started easier. But what truly pleases us: the team is not only strong athletically, but also completely intact as people. There's cohesion, there's drive, there's ambition.
And in terms of sports? What potential do you think this squad has?
Mike Wunderlich:
An enormous one. I believe that some players don't even realize how good they actually are yet. We have players who bring a lot technically, tactically, and also in terms of character. Our job now is to consistently bring this potential onto the pitch. And that will be the key: consistency. Only then can we achieve our goals.
Keywords: Goals – what have you set for yourselves internally for this season?
Mike Wunderlich:
We want to develop a clear identity – something you recognize when ABC plays. Everyone should see: this is a team with a plan, with energy, with a clear style. Of course, we want to compete at the top. But even more important to us is development – both individually and as a collective. The rest will follow. We are staying true to ourselves. And we remain hungry.
About the person:
Mike Wunderlich, born in 1986 in Cologne, looks back on a long and eventful professional football career – including as a key player for Viktoria Köln and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Most recently, he gained experience as a coach at Bergisch Gladbach. Since the summer of 2025, he has been in charge of sporting affairs at Ahrweiler BC. He's experienced a lot, seen a lot – and now has a clear course at the Ahr.