Wolfsburg's Brazilian playmaker Marcelino is predicting a "great season" for the club as they open their Bundesliga campaign with a home clash against Arminia Bielefeld.
It has been a summer of change for the Wolves, who have not only spent heavily in the transfer market but also appointed former Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath as head coach.
Marcelinho has been handed the captain's armband, and the 32-year-old midfielder is eager to make something happen this year.
"If we get off to a good start and the first three games are successful, we can really achieve something," he said.
"There have been many changes in our team but if we do what the coach wants we will have a great season."
Wolfsburg need to overcome the absence of new signing Ricardo Costa after the defender ruptured knee ligaments, ruling him out of action for around six months.
Peter van der Heyden is also sidelined with a groin injury, but Magath is confident of success against Arminia.
"We want to play offensively and score goals," he revealed. "We did well in the most recent friendlies but all that matters now is Bielefeld."
Last season, Arminia started their impressive rise from the drop zone to safety with a 3-2 win in Wolfsburg - a result Magath has reminded his players of.
The former Bayern boss even sent a spy to watch Arminia's final training session, but coach Ernst Middendorp blew his cover.
"I noticed someone with an umbrella, a camera and a football magazine," a bemused Middendorp said.
"He was baffled when I approached him, gave him the line-ups and sent my best wishes to Felix. Looks like they take us very seriously.
"Marcelinho even said they will score three goals against us - I like this kind of underdog situation."
Arminia will be without left-back Tobias Rau (unfit), Rudiger Kauf (hip) and Leonidis Kampantais (ankle) on Saturday.
SportingLife.com