‘Alle in Rot!’ (‘All in Red!’) is the call to arms from the VfB supporters ahead of the trip to TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 2 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Large numbers of VfB fans are expected to make the short trip to the PreZero Arena, which lies just 84 kilometres from Stuttgart’s MHP Arena. Stuttgart and Hoffenheim are not only geographical neighbours, though – the two teams are also neck and neck in the table, with fourth-placed VfB only above TSG in fifth on account of their superior goal difference (+20 compared to +16). Needless to say, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß and his players are determined to cement fourth spot on Saturday afternoon.
“A very important game”
“It’s a very important game for us,” Hoeneß said, adding: “You can feel the excitement and focus, but I also sense a certain relaxation among the lads, which is just as important at this stage.”
VfB travel to Sinsheim in confident spirits, having already guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League and reached the final of the DFB Cup – two of the club’s aims at the start of the campaign. “We can put the icing on the cake, as far as our season is concerned, by finishing the campaign in a Champions League spot,” said Hoeneß.
However, Hoffenheim have similar aims, and Hoeneß praised the job done by his opposite number: “They’ve managed to turn things around under Christian Ilzer. Their game is characterised by flexibility and intensity, and they’re capable of solving all manner of situations on the pitch,” continued the 43-year-old. “We need a top performance with focus, sharpness and energy. It’s about giving our absolute best.”
Finn Jeltsch and Ameen Al-Dakhil ruled out
Hoeneß has to make do without Finn Jeltsch and Ameen Al-Dakhil, who are still working their way back from injuries.
