The international break is now behind us, and VfB return to Bundesliga business with a crunch clash against Borussia Dortmund at the MHP Arena on Saturday 3 April (18:30 CEST). The Matchday 28 fixture pits second-placed Dortmund against their nearest challengers Stuttgart.
VfB eight adrift
“Borussia Dortmund are having an outstanding season and have a great squad packed with individual class,” said Sebastian Hoeneß of the next opponents. “They’re a very solid team, have clear methods and always look dangerous from set plays.” BVB currently sit on 61 points from 27 matches in the Bundesliga, putting them eight clear of VfB. Nevertheless, the Cannstatt boys believe they have every chance on Saturday.
“We’re playing at home and with our fans behind us, we’re well aware of how well we’ve played in recent times against Dortmund,” the head coach explained. Home form has steadily improved in general over the past few months, and the numbers certainly back this up. VfB have won ten of their 13 Bundesliga home games this season and lost just once, which can be attributed both to the team’s style of play and their commitment. “We’ve developed good patterns of play and a strong spirit. With everyone having to fight for their place and push themselves to the limit, it’s obviously having a positive effect on individual player development as well,” Hoeneß added.
Leweling and Zagadou back in training
That competition for places will be ramped up further as certain members of the squad return from injury. Jamie Leweling is now taking full part in team training after recovering from his muscle-related problems, while Dan-Axel Zagadou is also back with the group, although this particular match will come too soon for the defender. Lazar Jovanovic is involved in parts of training and is also targeting a comeback soon.
