It’s not something VfB are used to, but it was welcome: for the first time since the turn of the year, the Cannstatt boys have had a full week to train, with no midweek fixture. And they’re keen to make the most of it in preparation for the Bundesliga home match against 1. FC Köln on Saturday at 18:30 CET. The aim is to quickly return to winning ways after the first league defeat of 2026 at FC St. Pauli (2-1) last Saturday.
Balance, activeness – and most of all the basics
“We started the week’s training well and have big plans,” said Sebastian Hoeneß in his press conference on Thursday. “We need to show the right energy levels again against Köln. Willingness to run, contesting duels, intensity – we need to do all those basics at the highest level.” Especially as the visitors are certainly capable of causing their opponents problems.
The promoted side are having a good season and currently sit in 10th place in the Bundesliga table. VfB have already experienced one hard-fought clash with the Billy Goats in the reverse fixture, when the Cannstatt boys managed to come from 1-0 behind to win 2-1. “Köln make it hard for the opposition in every phase of the game,” warned Hoeneß, who therefore called for “a good balance in play and lots of activity in order to keep the opponents constantly occupied”.
Tiago Tomás back in the squad
Jeff Chabot, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, has been assured a start against his former club. Tiago Tomás is also available again following his muscular injury.
On the other hand, Angelo Stiller is doubtful because of a cold, while Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Lazar Jovanovic remain sidelined.
