On Monday evening, Raphael Schäfer explained to team manager Horst Heldt that he would not be taking any part in team training for the rest of this week.
In a meeting between Schäfer, Heldt and coach Armin Veh the day after VfB's defeat in Wolfsburg, the sporting management decided to release the goalkeeper from this week's training with the rest of the team.
“Difficult constellation”
VfB coach Armin Veh said: “Raphael wasn't alone as being responsible for the defeat in Wolfsburg - the whole team malfunctioned. The pressure that would have been mounted upon Raphael in the final game against Bielefeld would have been inhumane. For that reason, I have never had any intention of putting him in goal on Saturday.”
VfB team manager Horst Heldt is in complete agreement with his trainer on the decision: “Even in professional sporting circles, you cannot afford to forget the humane elements. Raphael never had it easy right from the very start but he also failed to consistently call-up his potential here with us.”
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