Enjoyment, intensity and speed – these are the ingredients that have made up VfB’s training sessions this week, according to head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. “You can tell that the players are excited about testing themselves against a global elite such as Bayern Munich on Saturday,” said the 43-year-old in his press conference. “They want to make the most of their chance. On top of that, we’re in a good position and we’re close to our target for the season. That releases a certain amount of energy.”
Matarazzo and his coaching team are still thinking hard about how they can hold their own at Bayern. “In order to survive, we have to trust in our strengths. Part of that is considering how we want to mould the game ourselves. If we don’t want to play football, then it’s going to be difficult for us in Munich,” added the VfB boss.
Orel Mangala is sidelined for the time being with a muscle strain, but Nicolas Gonzalez is back in contention following his muscle injury. “Nico is an option for the squad and also, if he feels fit enough to play 60 minutes, for the starting XI,” confirmed Matarazzo.
