VfB have four stages to go in December – that is to say, four games! The first of those matches takes place this coming Friday evening (kick-off 20:30 CET) at home in the Mercedes-Benz Arena against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Head-coach Hannes Wolf and his men have set their focus completely on the immediate task ahead. "We know that we will have to work hard for the points – which is what we are doing right now. We are preparing ourselves substantively, emotionally and mentally, as we always do, for the task at hand," explained Hannes Wolf at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
The Wasenelf will be faced by an attacking strong opponent on Friday evening. The club from the banks of the Rhine have found the net 27 times in their 14 games thus far – only FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund (both 34 goals) have put the ball in the opposition goal more often. "The often appear to play out chances on goal at ease," noted the VfB coach. As to which eleven players the 36-year-old sends into action against the offensively potent opponents remains to be seen. "We have a living system – and we want to keep it that way. Every player should be given the opportunity to recommend himself," insisted Hannes Wolf. Dennis Aogo, who has been suffering with nausea, and Josip Brekalo (blow to the calf) are both questionable for the clash with Leverkusen.
For those VfB players who are involved on Friday, the task will be to ensure a first successful stage in December and extend the impressive run of 15 consecutive games without defeat (12 wins, 3 draws) at the Mercedes-Benz Arena further still.