Recovery on Thursday, final training session on Friday and another game on Saturday – there’s no let-up for VfB following their 2-0 DFB Cup victory at 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Wednesday evening. Sebastian Hoeneß’s third-placed side are already preparing for one of the trickiest Bundesliga assignments in any given season – a trip to RB Leipzig, who currently occupy second place in the standings. Thanks in part to the Cannstatt lads’ recent performances, the game on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET) can legitimately be described as a top-of-the-table clash.
Hoeneß impressed with Leipzig
“We want to maintain our momentum and do our bit to make it the brilliant game everyone is expecting,” said Hoeneß. “We’re looking forward to the contest. Competing against the best teams in the league is always special.” Leipzig are in excellent form, with 19 points from their opening eight games – one more than VfB – and have yet to drop a single point on home soil. Ole Werner’s team usually operate in a 4-3-3 system, with minor adjustments depending on the opposition.
VfB are well prepared, though. “Leipzig have great individual quality, they’re very solid and homogeneous, and head coach Ole Werner has managed to impart a clear vision,” continued Hoeneß, who has full confidence in his own team’s abilities. “We’re capable of dealing with resistance and playing to our own strengths.”
High commitment levels, concentration in defence, finding solutions in the final third and playing with spirit have served VfB very well indeed in recent weeks. “There are still a few steps we need to take, but we’re heading in the right direction,” concluded the VfB boss.
Tiago Tomás doubtful
Hoeneß is sweating over the fitness of Tiago Tomás, who missed the cup tie in Mainz on Wednesday with a muscle issue. A decision on the 23-year-old will be made after the final training session on Friday. Dan-Axel Zagadou, meanwhile, has suffered a reaction to his recent appearances, tweaking a muscle in the adductor area. The defender is set to be rested against Leipzig.
Ermedin Demirovic and Justin Diehl also remain sidelined through injury.