It’s the start of a new adventure. VfB Stuttgart may have lifted the DFB Cup last term, but there are no prizes for being the reigning cup holders in 2025/26. “The cup victory was extraordinary, but it’s in the past now – we want to write a new story and stay in the competition for as long as possible,” head coach Sebastian Hoeneß said ahead of Tuesday evening’s first-round clash at second-division Eintracht Braunschweig, which kicks off at 20:45 CEST.
VfB are likely to have their work cut out against Braunschweig, who have won two of their first three league matches and are known for being a tough nut to crack on home soil. Hoeneß, for one, is expecting a hard-fought encounter. “We’ll have to be wide awake and focused against Braunschweig,” he said. “The stadium will be rocking, it’s going to be intense.”
How to handle the red-hot atmosphere? Resolve and perseverance will be key, according to the 43-year-old head coach. “We’re going to have to play with power, determination and dynamism from the first minute,” he explained.
Alexander Nübel to start
Hoeneß is set to make several changes to the VfB side that started Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin in their Bundesliga opener. Luca Jaquez suffered a broken nose in the capital, while Jeff Chabot is also set for a short spell on the sidelines. Leonidas Stergiou, Silas, Ameen Al-Dakhil and Justin Diehl are unavailable too.
The VfB boss also confirmed that Alexander Nübel will start in goal in Braunschweig. “He wasn’t able to take full part in pre-season due to injury, which is why the cup game is another opportunity for him to get back into a routine,” he said.