Matchday 16 of the Bundesliga sees VfB Stuttgart welcome FC Augsburg to the MHPArena in their final match of 2023. Ahead of the meeting, Sebastian Hoeneß gave an update on the preparations for the match, in which he’ll again have to do without Nikolas Nartey, Roberto Massimo, Lilian Egloff and Hiroki Ito. Enzo Millot, Silas and Genki Haraguchi were back in training on Tuesday after mild illnesses, though. “It’s looking good,” said the VfB head coach. “Waldemar Anton is also fully fit again.” Thomas Kastanaras is the only other absentee due to illness. “The boys are feeling good, I don’t sense any mental fatigue,” added Hoeneß.
The VfB boss acknowledged the visitors’ good run: “Augsburg are doing well, they’ve changed a few details and structures lately and picked up points. We face in-form opponents who have earned their confidence and who play direct, powerful football.” However, that won’t change Hoeneß’s approach: “Essentially we want to keep getting forward, putting the opponents under pressure and not depart from our game with or without the ball. That’s got us to where we currently are. Nevertheless, we have a tough nut to crack on Wednesday as Augsburg are in good form.”
He now wants to “bring a great year to a good end” together with the fans. “We’ve had some good games at home with incredible support,” added Hoeneß. “We want to leave with a good result. That’s all that matters.”