Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel, VfB’s upcoming opponents in the DFB Cup quarter-finals, have already knocked out two top-flight clubs in this season’s competition in VfL Wolfsburg (1-0 in the second round) and Hamburger SV (4-2 on penalties in the last 16). In order to prevent the northern club from pulling off a third consecutive Bundesliga scalp, the boys from Cannstatt are approaching Wednesday’s last-eight tie with maximum focus.
The match at the Holstein-Stadion gets under way at 20:45 CET. Suffice to say, holders VfB are determined to confirm their place in the last four of the competition – but that is easier said than done.
Atmosphere will contribute to “cup battle”
“Kiel are very comfortable in the role of underdogs,” Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß told the media at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “They’re a hard-working side, athletic and bring a great deal of passion to the pitch.”
The VfB head coach is also expecting external factors to contribute to Wednesday’s “cup battle”. Temperatures of -3C, strong winds and a full house of 15,034 are expected in northern Germany. Hoeneß and his players are well prepared.
“There may be situations we have to overcome together, so it’s going to be particularly important to play with determination, focus and purpose,” continued Hoeneß, who wants his team to build on recent strong displays in the Bundesliga and UEFA Europa League. “We have the chance to take a big step forward in our third competition as well.”
Alexander Nübel to start in goal
Hoeneß, understandably, was keeping his team selection close to his chest, but with Fabian Bredlow struggling with a calf injury and facing a race against time to make Wednesday’s squad, Alexander Nübel is guaranteed to start in goal. Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Tiago Tomás are all ruled out through injury.
