Sebastian Hoeneß was not beating around the bush at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “We’re highly, highly motivated to reach our second DFB Cup final in succession – you can already feel the positive energy among the lads,” said the VfB head coach ahead of the holders’ semi-final clash at home to SC Freiburg on Thursday (kick-off 20:45 CEST). The showpiece takes place on 23 May at Berlin’s Olympiastadion – and Hoeneß and his players are determined not to miss out.
“It’s going to be a cup battle, we’re 100 percent sure of that,” added Hoeneß, who expects Thursday’s tie to be decided by minor details as well as the sides’ form on the day. “Freiburg will travel to Stuttgart full of confidence. They’re also in the Europa League semi-finals and in a good position in the league.”
Big-game experience key
The 43-year-old continued: “We’ve had a number of really important games in recent years, whether in the relegation play-off, the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup or in European competition.” That big-game experience, according to Hoeneß, will not only help VfB approach their last-four tie with the right mindset but find the right balance between defence and attack. “We’re capable of applying pressure and delivering dominant performances, but we also need to defend at the highest level and be wide awake, particularly when it comes to transitions.”
Alexander Nübel to start, Finn Jeltsch absent
Hoeneß confirmed that Alex Nübel will retain his place in goal, having started VfB’s victory over Holstein Kiel in the quarter-finals. Finn Jeltsch, however, will not be available after suffering an abdominal muscle injury against Bayern Munich on Sunday. Everyone else is fit and available for selection.