There has been plenty to think about at VfB over the past few days. From the dramatic DFB Cup first-round win over Braunschweig on penalties, to discovering the team’s UEFA Europa League opponents, the upcoming “100 years of the hoop” celebrations this weekend and, of course, the first Bundesliga home game of 2025/26 on Saturday against Borussia Mönchengladbach (kick-off 15:30 CEST).
As ever, VfB have a clear plan going into the fixture.
“We had very good, very focused training sessions this week,” said Sebastian Hoeneß. “We’re motivated and well prepared to win our first home game of the new Bundesliga season.”
The head coach also emphasised that his side have set themselves big objectives, which is necessary against a team as ambitious as Gladbach.
“They’re a very good footballing side who are good at finding solutions with the ball,” said the 43-year-old of Saturday’s opposition. “We need to find a good middle ground, to dominate the match on the one hand but also have good defensive cover after losing possession.”
Gladbach, who drew 0-0 with Hamburg on Matchday 1, will have fond memories of their last meeting with VfB, which they won 2-1 at the MHP Arena.
Woltemade absent
Hoeneß will have to make do without six players due to injury: Leonidas Stergiou, Silas, Luca Jaquez, Jeff Chabot, Ameen Al-Dakhil and Justin Diehl.
Furthermore, Nick Woltemade will not be in the squad as the forward has been granted permission by VfB officials to speak to a European club regarding a potential transfer.
