On Friday evening (4 September, 20:30 CEST), VfB host Köln in their first home fixture of the new Bundesliga season. “It’s going to be special, we’re looking forward to it,” said head coach Sebastian Hoeneß in the pre-match press conference, continuing: “We know what can unfold in our stadium and we have the chance to start something with the first home match.”
“Köln will travel to Stuttgart with momentum”
Hoeneß also highlighted Köln’s winning start to the league campaign. “They won 3-2 against a strong Hoffenheim side and have a good mix in the squad. They’ll travel to Stuttgart with momentum.”
Yanik Spalt and Leo Sauer in squad, Tiago Tomás missing
“We’re looking ahead with calmness and focus, we’ve worked well over the week,” said the boss, who also revealed that young midfielder Yanik Spalt and summer signing Leo Sauer will be part of the first-team squad.
Tiago Tomás has been ruled out with a muscular injury, but Chris Führich is available again after missing the Bundesliga opener at FC Bayern München with a knock. Hoeneß remains without Dennis Seimen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Nikolas Nartey, Justin Diehl and Jeremy Arévalo due to injury.
Grischa Prömel is vice-captain
It’s also been confirmed that Grischa Prömel is the Cannstatt boys’ new vice-captain. Maxi Mittelstädt and Ermedin Demirovic are designated as the other deputies to Deniz Undav, who was named captain for the 2026/27 season in the summer.