“We want to play to our strengths”

Sebastian Hoeneß will still have to make do without Josha Vagnoman, Nikolas Nartey, Laurin Ulrich and Deniz Undav against Freiburg on Saturday, but other than that the VfB boss has a full squad to choose from.

After sitting out the RB Leipzig game at short notice, Enzo Millot was able to return to training this week and is available for the clash with the Black Forest outfit. Angelo Stiller, who joined VfB last week and knows Hoeneß from their time together at TSG Hoffenheim, could be handed his competitive debut for the club against SCF. “We know what to expect from Angelo,” Hoeneß said. “He’s a very good, intelligent footballer and has already gained plenty of experience for a young player. Particularly going forward, Angelo usually makes the right decision when he has the ball. He’s softly spoken but helps along in training and can help us right away with his abilities.”

Against Freiburg, Hoeneß wants his team to play to their strengths in order to limit the opportunities of their opponents. “They’re a solid, mature side who are very dangerous on the wings and from set plays,” the head coach said of Freiburg. “It’ll be up to us to keep them away from our box and cause them problems with our own game. Freiburg can be unpredictable with their different pressing methods and set pieces. We want to try and limit that on Saturday.”

Hoeneß also expects the VfB supporters to play a major role this weekend, with tickets for the game at the MHPArena already sold out. “I know the game is important for our fans,” Hoeneß said. “We want to get three points. If we manage that, we’ll have made a really good start to the season.”