The VfB Stuttgart squad have been trying to build on the positives and fine-tune other parts of their game in an intensive week of training in Cannstatt. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side are brimming with drive and determination ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s visit to the MHP Arena on Saturday 19 September (kick-off 18:30 CEST) – and have their sights set on returning to winning ways. Naturally, Hoeneß hopes his team’s efforts on the training pitch over the past few days will count in their favour this weekend.
Defensive solidity, attacking potency
“We’ve been working on becoming more solid in defence without losing any of our potency in attack,” Hoeneß explained. “Among other things, we’ve been focusing on aspects such as closing down our opponents, compactness, intensity, accuracy and aggression.”
The VfB boss knows full well his side are going to need a top-class performance against a Dortmund outfit who currently occupy second place in the standings. “Our expectation is to deliver in those areas at the highest possible level,” he continued.
Dortmund arrive in Stuttgart in excellent form, having collected maximum points from their three league games so far. “They’re very consistent, have clear patterns of play and also perform with a certain physicality,” Hoeneß said of Saturday’s opponents.
Personnel: Hope for Angelo Stiller and Nikolas Nartey
Angelo Stiller was forced off with a knock in VfB’s 2-1 Bundesliga defeat at TSG Hoffenheim last Saturday. The midfielder has looked much better in training this week, but a final decision on his availability will be made nearer the time. The same goes for Nikolas Nartey, who is also closing in on a return to the matchday squad.
Injured quartet Dan-Axel Zagadou, Luca Jaquez, Lorenz Assignon and Tiago Tomás are all making progress but are unavailable for the clash with Dortmund. Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen and attacker Justin Diehl, both of whom are back in light training, also remain sidelined.
