“We can be very pleased”

Six points, 11 goals scored, five conceded – it’s been a good first three matchdays of the campaign for VfB. “When we pick up six points against one direct rival and two ambitious teams, we can be very pleased,” said Pascal Stenzel, who’s started all three matches. “The coach shows us how we have to put games in the right context. It’s not every day you get into such a flow, and the two home games could’ve also turned out differently with the opponents’ first goalscoring opportunities. But still, we can very pleased with our first two games at home and with the first half at Leipzig.”

The VfB fans are certainly happy with the start of the season, too. Around 700 of them watched Wednesday’s training session, where they got to see new signing Anthony Rouault as well as youth players Raul Paula, Anrie Chase, Mattis Hoppe, Leon Reichardt and Benny Boakye. Josha Vagnoman and Deniz Undav continued to work individually on their comebacks, while Laurin Ulrich also completed a running session. “The support of our fans is absolutely special and makes the club what it is. You see that in every game and also in these open training sessions,” said Stenzel, who couldn’t be involved today. “I had some problems in the rib area after the Leipzig game. It was okay for the match against Freiburg, but then I felt it more and more as the game went on, so the international break has come at a good time,” explained the right-back.

“I’m sure the coach also wants to see full effort in the sessions during the international break. He exemplifies that and that’s exactly how we’re approaching it, so that we’re ideally prepared for the game at Mainz,” continued Stenzel. Those preparations include a friendly against Swiss Super League outfit FC St. Gallen. “It does everyone good to be on the pitch – especially those who have played a bit less. I know what that’s like and therefore these friendlies are good to get into the swing of things and stake your claim.”

The friendly takes place on Friday 8 September at 14:00 CEST. For logistical reasons there’ll be no spectators.