“Prepare the best we possibly can”

VfB Stuttgart welcome Borussia Mönchengladbach to the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Saturday, looking to extend their three-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga and claim vital points in the battle to stay up. The visitors are currently 10^th in the table on 36 points and lost 1-0 to Union Berlin last time out. “We’ll have to defend tightly and as a unit against Gladbach. They’re a very good footballing side,” said VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeness.

Expecting a different game to Augsburg

Compared to last Friday’s draw at Augsburg, Hoeness is expecting more expansive opponents. “Gladbach don’t attack as high as Augsburg but rely on more technical play and have real individual quality.” Taking that flair away from the Foals is likely to be an important factor for a successful afternoon, and that requires different methods. “They’re resistant to pressing in some positions, so we’ll also need a certain resilience in our play. We want to prepare the best we possibly can and take maximum points,” the VfB boss added.

After two days off following the trip to Augsburg, Hoeness revealed that there has been a good mixture of looseness and focus in training. “I get the feeling that the balance between the determination to win and being relaxed is just right.”

On the personnel front, Hoeness has almost a full squad at his disposal, with only Hiroki Ito unavailable due to suspension.