VfB Stuttgart host VfL Bochum at the MHPArena on Saturday afternoon as the new Bundesliga season gets underway. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß is again without a number of players for his side’s second competitive game of 2023/24: Josha Vagnoman, Deniz Undav, Laurin Ulrich and Nikolas Nartey have all been ruled out with injury, while the match is likely to come too soon for Maximilian Mittelstädt, Thomas Kastanaras, Fabian Bredlow and Dinos Mavropanos following injuries of their own.
Sebastian Hoeneß on…
… seeing fans again at the MHPArena:
“I feel a great sense of anticipation. The fans gave us incredible support last season.”
…the opposition:
“Bochum stayed up in impressive fashion last term. They get forward with plenty of purpose using long balls, and they cause their opponents problems with their high intensity. Our aim is to get ourselves in good positions. We did that well at times in the game in Bochum last season, but as we’re at home for this one they might sit a bit deeper. It’ll be hard work, but with the fans behind us we want to collect all three points.”
…Wataru Endo:
“Wataru has received permission from the club to hold talks with Liverpool about a potential transfer. It’s not normal for the captain to move two days before the start of the season, but we’re viewing it as a motivation to be successful without him in these opening games. Both in sporting and in human terms, we’re losing a very reliable player and captain in Wataru. The important goals he scored are only part of the reason why he’s been so significant for VfB in the last few years. The fact that he can fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League at the age of 30 is also recognition for VfB and the people who have accompanied him here. I wish him all the best.”
… a new captain:
“Waldemar Anton will lead the team out on Saturday. Waldi’s got everything you need in order to be a worthy captain of VfB Stuttgart.”