After advancing to the DFB semi-finals, VfB are back in Bundesliga action on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET) at FC St. Pauli. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s side want to keep collecting points and extend their unbeaten record in the league so far in 2026. In order to do so, they’ll have to overcome the home crowd, among other things.
“We know the special conditions at the Millerntor and know from last season how heated and intense the atmosphere can be, and the challenges that await us there,” Hoeneß said in his pre-match press conference: “We know we need a top performance on Saturday to hold our own there. We believe we’re fully capable of that.”
Hoeneß also warned of the home team, who are currently second from bottom in the standings. “The first half of the cup game at Leverkusen highlighted St. Pauli’s qualities,” said the 43-year-old. “The Bundesliga game at home to RB Leipzig also showed that we can expect to come up against a well-organised and hardworking side. A key factor will be defending their quick play up front.”
Five players unavailable
Goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow has shaken off his calf problem and is available again for the trip to Hamburg. Dan Axel Zagadou, Tiago Tomás, Nikolas Nartey, Lazar Jovanovic and Luca Jaquez remain sidelined.
