Personae Non Gratae

"The Unsuccessful God-Emperor" — Episode II. After a spell at Schalke 04, Felix Magath (or his clone, or perhaps his wayward twin) returned to Wolfsburg. Whoever it was, he could not replicate the brilliance of Episode I. The sequel was a flop…

"The Unfaithful." The midfielder arrived from Turin in 2010 for 15 million euros. He made 77 appearances in green and white, scoring 19 goals. On the final matchday of the 2010/11 season, he left the team bus without a word — and never came back. A silent desertion that infuriated the fans…

"The Overweight One." On April 2, 2003, Stefan Effenberg left VfL Wolfsburg after just 19 appearances — as abruptly as he had arrived. The then-34-year-old was offended. Coach Jürgen Röber refused to grant him special privileges, and Effenberg, visibly out of shape, walked away…