Falling giants? Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg and Gladbach circle Bundesliga drain | Andy Brassell

Guardian Sport

by Andy Brassell

February 23, 2026

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Falling giants: Former Bundesliga champions like Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, and Gladbach are flirting with relegation as their current form plummets. With little confidence and a string of winless games, these once-proud teams are struggling to avoid a dramatic downfall. The season seems poised for a major shakeup at the bottom of the league, with at least one big-name club likely to tumble out. Werder Bremen, 2004 double champions, have been in freefall for months, unable to secure a decisive win. Their recent 13th straight loss highlights a deeper issue: a lack of belief and cohesion. Manager Marco Friedl admitted his team is "speechless" after their latest defeat, revealing the weight of their struggles. Wolfsburg and Gladbach, both with rich histories, are also in precarious positions. Wolfsburg’s inconsistent performances have left them hovering just above the relegation zone, while Gladbach’s inability to build consistency has fans questioning their future stability. This season’s dramatic turn of events underscores the Bundesliga’s competitive nature and the constant pressure on even the most storied clubs. For sports enthusiasts, this situation adds excitement and unpredictability to the league, as iconic teams face an uncertain fate. The stakes are high for these clubs, as relegation would mark a significant shift in their status and financial stability. Fans eagerly await how the season unfolds, with eyes on whether these giants can turn things around or if their decline continues. This story of downfall and redemption is what makes sports journalism so compelling, offering lessons in resilience and adaptability for teams and fans alike.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026