All 14 of VfB’s internationals are back from their travels. The training group in Cannstatt has been complete again since the middle of the week – and they’re working hard. “The impressions from training will have a role in deciding who starts at Frankfurt,” stated head coach Sebastian Hoeneß ahead of the away match against fourth-placed Eintracht at 18:30 CET on Saturday evening. Around 6,000 VfB fans will also make the journey to Germany’s financial capital.
The focus is clear. “We want to taste victory together,” said Hoeneß, emphasising the approach. “The basis for this game is being 100 percent willing from the start because it’s one of the toughest away fixtures there is in the Bundesliga at the moment.” Primetime kick-off, floodlights, a stadium full of atmosphere and opponents who are currently in a UEFA Champions League place – the ingredients sound mouth-watering.
High intensity and speedsters
The 42-year-old VfB boss expects “high intensity on both sides” and has readied his team for Frankfurt’s strengths. “They’re dangerous going forward, they can transition with pace and precision and possess several speedsters,” continued Hoeneß. “For us, that means we need very good cover when we’re in possession.” The task is also to reap the deserved rewards after recent good performances.
Stergiou suspended, Diehl injured
Defender Leonidas Stergiou is not available for the trip to Deutsche Bank Park as he completes his two-match ban for his red card in the 2-2 draw at Holstein Kiel. Justin Diehl must also sit this one out after suffering a muscle injury on international duty with the German U20 team.
Dan-Axel Zagadou, Anrie Chase, Nikolas Nartey and Luca Raimund (all injured) remain sidelined, too.