Wolfsburg can challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title if they can continue where they left off last season, according to striker Nicklas Bendtner.
Inspired by the Bundesliga's outfield player of the year, Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, the Wolves finished runners-up to Bayern last season in the league and then beat Borussia Dortmund to win the DFB Pokal.
Wolfsburg were 10 points adrift of Bayern in the Bundesliga but former Arsenal forward Bendtner, 27, feels they could push Pep Guardiola's side closer.
"It's exciting to see whether we play such a season again," the Denmark international told Bild. "If we do then we have a chance of challenging Bayern, even if they probably have the strongest team."
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs suggested Bayern had given hope to their rivals by selling what he termed their "best man," Bastian Schweinsteiger, to Manchester United.
However, if Wolfsburg are to mount a realistic title challenge, Dieter Hecking's side will surely need a better return from Bendtner, who endured a difficult campaign last time out.
The Dane found the net once in 18 Bundesliga matches and is well aware he needs to improve.
"Personally I was very disappointed with my last season," he said. "The next one is very important. I'm giving everything to convince the coach that I should play every game and that he can rely on me."