Spring has arrived in 2026 and VfB Stuttgart are in a good position in the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Europa League. The impressive form of Chris Führich in recent months has been a key factor in that. Ahead of the round of 16 first leg against FC Porto on Thursday (18:45 CET), the winger discusses the Europa League, opponents Porto and the approach against the Portuguese side.
Hello Chris, unlike the Europa League play-off against Celtic, VfB are at home first this time. Is being at home in the first leg an advantage or disadvantage in your view?
Chris: “That’s difficult to say. Personally I find it nicer to be able to play the second game in front of a home crowd because it can generate an extra-special energy from the stands. Now our approach is that we want to use the home advantage in the first leg to put ourselves in a good position in the tie. That also has appeal. We know that the fans will really push us both at home and away, which gives us a lot of strength.”
Chris Führich:
I like the Europa League a lot, it’s an exciting competition with a high standard.
In your view, what will be the key to getting a good result in the first of the two matches against Porto?
Chris: “It will be important to be switched on as a team from the first minute – that means doing the basics, being effective and getting through periods where we might have to suffer together. We’re certainly up against strong opposition. Every moment can be crucial.”
As you touched on, Porto are dominating the Portuguese league and qualified directly for the Europa League last 16. How do you rate them?
Chris: “Porto have a wealth of experience at European level, they’re involved in Europe almost every season. A feature of the current team is that they’re very solid defensively and don’t concede much – they’ve only let in 10 goals in the league. Porto also have good individual players in their ranks. We’ll have to summon everything if we’re to achieve two good results.”
You’ve featured in all 10 Europa League games so far, in what is your first season in this competition. What do you particularly appreciate about it?
Chris: “I like the Europa League a lot, it’s an exciting competition with a high standard. We’ve performed well so far and also started to convert our performances away from home into the right results, if I think of our recent display at Celtic. We’re giving it everything to be as successful as possible in the Europa League.”
