One thing is for sure – VfB will remember their trip to Deventer, even before a ball has been kicked. Due to heavy fog at Lelystad Airport, around 80 kilometres from the Dutch city of Deventer, the team’s aircraft was not given permission to land and had to divert to Rotterdam. The plane arrived safely there, before the players, coaches and staff travelled around 150 kilometres by bus to the venue for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League encounter.
“It’s nothing dramatic, we’re fine, we’ve just arrived later than planned,” said head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, who has handled the situation very pragmatically. With the official press conference being cancelled – as agreed with UEFA – VfB organised a telephone connection with the head coach for all journalists.
“Chance to make a statement”
“We have the chance to make a statement,” said Hoeneß, looking ahead to the Matchday 5 clash. At the halfway point of the league phase, with four of eight games played, VfB have collected six points. “Our goal is to progress – and we can take an important step towards that in Deventer,” added the 43-year-old. Of the 36 teams in the competition, the top eight qualify directly for the round of 16, while those in ninth through to 24th progress to the play-offs. Stuttgart are currently 20th, and therefore need to keep picking up points. Tomorrow they face tricky opponents who are just one place above them in the standings.
“We’re in for a tough match,” predicted the Stuttgart boss. “For Go Ahead Eagles, it’s special to be involved in this competition – and that’s also how they’re approaching it. They play with courage, with heart and have already beaten Aston Villa (2-1) for example, and won against Feyenoord (2-1) in the domestic league. The relatively small stadium, which holds around 10,000 fans, has a special atmosphere, too.”
Zagadou injured in final training
Defender Dan-Axel Zagadou suffered a muscle injury in the final training session, while Tiago Tomas (muscle injury) and Noah Darvich (in action for U21s) are also absent.
