“We’ll need a top performance”

Bruno Labbadia wants VfB to build on their DFB Cup last-16 victory at SC Paderborn when they host SV Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga this weekend. Labbadia’s injury list continues to ease, with only two players unavailable for Sunday’s game. “Daxo Zagadou and Borna Sosa, who have both worked very hard, are in contention for the squad,” said the VfB boss. “For Silas, the home game against Werder is still too early. Tiago Tomas is also still unavailable [with a torn abdominal muscle).”

In new arrivals Genki Haraguchi and Gil Dias, Labbadia also has two additional options for the bench. “Genki is extremely calm on the ball and knows the Bundesliga,” said the 56-year-old. “I really enjoy working with Japanese players. I really like their mentality, work ethic, footballing education and the values they live by. Gil Dias scored a great goal in the cup, has a good left foot and is a strong dribbler. It’s good that we managed to get both of them.”

As for Bremen, Labbadia is expecting to face not only a dangerous strike duo in Marvin Ducksch and Niclas Füllkrug but a well-oiled outfit in general. “Werder are well-drilled, are eight points above us and recently beat VfL Wolfsburg,” Labbadia continued. “We’ll all have to put in a top performance to keep the points in Stuttgart.”