“It’s going to be a big test for us”

After progressing to the second round of the DFB Cup in Münster, VfB are back in league action on Saturday as 1. FSV Mainz 05 visit the MHP Arena on Bundesliga Matchday 2. Compared to the game against second-tier Preußen Münster, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß is expecting a very different kind of contest against Mainz, who have started their season with an extra-time win over Wehen Wiesbaden in the cup and a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin in the league. “They’re doing things their way under Bo Henriksen and are the fifth-best team in the Bundesliga since he took over,” said Hoeneß. “He’s managed to trigger a turnaround and is doing a tremendous job. He’s also got a really good team. It’s going to be a big test for us – they’ll be very awkward to play against.”

After performing in a way that “meets our standards” in Münster, they now want to do the same against the Rhineland-Palatinate club. “We want to get the job done,” stated the VfB boss, who may have two more options available for that task. “We’ll make a decision tomorrow on whether Josha Vagnoman can be involved. He’s not played for a very long time but he’s at least at a stage where he can make the squad. And if he does that, then we also think he’s capable of a runout.” New signing El Bilal Touré could also feature against Mainz as long as all the necessary documents have been received by then.