The mood is positive at VfB and amongst the fans ahead of this Sunday’s clash with 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (kick-off 13:30 CET). And the jubilant atmosphere is no surprise in Stuttgart, following four consecutive wins in 2017. "We are enjoying a very positive atmosphere right now. There is real euphoria in the city. It’s up to us to sustain that," said Hannes Wolf at the pre-match press conference. And the coach is well aware that it will be no easy task: "Kaiserslautern have abilities that they could use to hurt us. They get forward well from a compact defence. It will be tough and aggressive. We are going into the game with the necessary respect for our opponents," stated the 35-year-old.
Over 50,000 fans expected
During the week’s training, the coach saw a "lively, active and intensive" attitude from his men, but Hannes Wolf will have to find an alternative option to cover for injured right full-back Kevin Großkreutz this weekend. "Kevin‘s foot has shown a reaction following the Heidenheim match. It’s nothing serious, but we want to protect him, as the problem has flared up again. There are several options available to us as a replacement," noted Hannes Wolf. Simon Terodde trained individually over the past few days due to muscular problems, but has been able to undertake the full load of his programme – meaning the striker can play against FCK. That does not apply to Tobias Werner, who is back in training with his team mates following a muscle bundle tear to the hip, which continues to keep him out of the squad.
Generally speaking, Hannes Wolf is pretty much spoiled for choice so far as his personnel options are concerned in relation to selecting his 18-man squad. The players who will be nominated will be doing all in their power to sustain the positive mood amongst the team and the vast bulk of the fans at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.