After reaching the DFB Cup final, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß wants to take the “positive feelings and the energy boost” into the Bundesliga. “It was an emotional night on Wednesday,” reflected Hoeneß. “We’re drawing on that and want to use the opportunity to channel the feelings and energy. With a good performance, we want to get a result from a difficult match at Bochum.”
“Fiery and intense”
The Cannstatt boys will come up against a “solid team who have power” in Bochum, according to Hoeneß, who celebrated his two-year anniversary as VfB head coach on Thursday. “It’s been an unbelievable journey and it’s not over yet,” he said. He took over the team in April 2023, with his debut coming in the quarter-finals of the cup against 1. FC Nürnberg (1-0 win). The next opponents in the Bundesliga at the time were also Bochum, also away from home – and VfB ran out 3-2 winners. “The victory at Bochum was important, that set everything off,” added Hoeneß.
The 42-year-old would gladly take a repeat of that, but warned of opponents who are strong at home. “It’s tough to play at Bochum,” he explained. “They’re fighting for their lives. With the fans behind them, Bochum can generate something at home. I expect a fiery and intense game.” Dieter Hecking has been in the dugout at Bochum since November 2024, someone “who has got VfL back into a position to stay in the league”, said Hoeneß about his counterpart.
Trio suspended, Hendriks back
As well as injured absentees Justin Diehl (thigh), Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee), Anrie Chase (adductor), Nikolas Nartey (hamstring) and Luca Raimund (thigh), Angelo Stiller, Maxi Mittelstädt (five yellow cards) and Ameen Al-Dakhil (red card) are all suspended for the trip to the Ruhrstadion. Ramon Hendriks returns to the squad after stomach problems.