In my VW GTI 16v, I had to drill out that internal brace in order to get the Mk1 player installed.

As was stated elsewhere in this thread, the Mk2 player has the connector offset so it should work if carefully positioned. Actually, there's a screw-hole in the back of the Mk2 sled in the proper place for you to install the rubber plug that fits into the center of that internal brace.