Prior to his fourth game as VfB coach, Weinzierl wants "to bring out the best in every single player”, which, in the current situation, means in particular the experienced squad members, who are "equally responsible for getting things back on track".
According to Weinzierl, if the experienced leaders in the squad perform consistently, "then the young players automatically find things easier".
Since Tuesday, those young players have been able to turn to a seasoned Bundesliga figure for advice. "I'm delighted that Halil Altintop has joined our coaching team," said Weinzierl, who coached the 35-year-old at FC Augsburg between 2013 and 2016. "Even as a player he thought as a coach and acted as a leader. With the experience he picked up in 351 Bundesliga games, he can really pass things on to the youngsters. He was welcomed immediately."
Home comforts
Just like VfB, Saturday's opponents Nürnberg have been waiting for a Bundesliga win since Matchday 6, although the promoted side have been a tough nut to crack on home turf, picking up eight of their ten points at the Max-Morlock-Stadion (W2 D2 L1).
"The main difference is that Nürnberg beat Hannover and Düsseldorf at home, while we dropped points against those sides," said Weinzierl, adding that the visiting fans would be "extremely important – everyone knows we need the fans and that we'll only get out of this together."
Busy treatment table
The involvement of Daniel Didavi, who spent the 2011/12 season on loan at Nürnberg from VfB, remains doubtful due to an Achilles problem. "We'll increase his workload in the two days left and then decide," said Weinzierl. "He's an important player but has been out of training for five or six weeks. That's why we're being sensible."
Anastasios Donis is still sidelined following his muscle tear along with Berkay Özcan (ankle), Borna Sosa (pelvis) and Alexander Meyer (cruciate ligament), while Emiliano Insua is serving a suspension. After damaging his ankle last Friday against Eintracht Frankfurt, Pablo Maffeo has only been in light training, while Andreas Beck picked up a knock to the knee in training on Saturday and "hasn't been able to train this week".