VfB Stuttgart will play no fewer than seven matches in three competitions between 18 October and 9 November, including three midweek fixtures. The Cannstatt lads are determined to focus on one game at a time, however, starting with the Bundesliga trip to VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CEST).
“A team with a lot of potential”
“We want to build on our good form before the international break and carry that momentum forward,” said head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, adding that doing so will require high commitment levels at both ends of the pitch. The 43-year-old, who has noticed a healthy competitive spirit among his squad in training this week, told reporters on Thursday: “We have our ideas on how we want to approach the game in Wolfsburg, but we’ll also make good use of the training session we still have in store.”
Fifteenth-placed Wolfsburg may not have had the most successful start to the campaign, but Hoeneß has plenty of respect for Saturday’s opponents. “Wolfsburg are a side with a lot of potential and a strong squad. They create a lot of good chances and their results have mostly been tight. We’re certainly not fooled by their current position in the table.”
In Tiago Tomás, VfB have a player in their ranks who spent two years with the Wolves before joining VfB in the summer. “Tiago brings vital impetus to our game, has good moments and is always capable of creating chances,” said Hoeneß, who confirmed the forward will feature at the Volkswagen Arena. “It’s now about improving his efficiency.”
Deniz Undav may return
Hoeneß had more news on the personnel front, revealing that Deniz Undav is in contention for a place in the side after recovering from a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his knee. Finn Jeltsch is also available following his adductor injury.
Jamie Leweling is suffering from adductor issues of his own and will miss Saturday’s game, while Ermedin Demirovic and Stefan Drljaca are still sidelined. Defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is set to feature for the U21s in the 3. Liga as he steps up his return to fitness following injury.
