At the start of Wednesday morning’s final training session, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß gathered his team in a huddle as they embark on a new journey through Europe. On Thursday night at 21:00 CEST, VfB host Celta Vigo in the first of eight matches in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. The Cannstatt boys are aiming to get off to a good start in the competition against the Spanish side.
“Right attitude, high commitment”
“The team looked very focused in the final training session,” said Hoeneß afterwards in his press conference, adding: “The crucial thing is the willingness we demonstrate from 9pm on Thursday night. If we show the right attitude and a high level of commitment on the day, that increases the likelihood of a win.”
The 43-year-old also explained that the team he puts out will be prepared for the emotionality of the opposition. After all, memories of the hard-fought pre-season friendly against Celta in July (2-1) are still fresh. “We would do well to be the team that sets the standards and dictates the pace on Thursday evening,” added the head coach.
Familiar faces from the Bundesliga
Curiously, Celta have drawn 1-1 in each of their last five matches, all of them in La Liga. Having finished seventh in the Spanish top flight last season, the Sky Blues are currently 15th in the table. In Ilaix Moriba (RB Leipzig), Bryan Zaragoza (Bayern Munich) and Borja Iglesias (Bayer Leverkusen), the squad contains three players who have previously played in the Bundesliga. “Celta Vigo are tough to play against and tough to beat, as their results so far show,” said Hoeneß. “They’re very well organised, like to play football and can defend compactly in different areas of the pitch.”
The personnel situation for VfB is relatively straightforward. Luca Jaquez is fit again after his nasal bone fracture, while Leonidas Stergiou is also back in full training. Of the players who are registered for the Europa League, only Deniz Undav (knee ligament tear) is out.
