The Stuttgart team wants to present itself in Madrid as confident and courageous. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß sees no reason to make themselves smaller than they are in the face of industry giant Real. “We want to surprise.”
Will surprise with his team in Madrid: Sebastian Hoeneß.
IMAGO/Alberto Gardin
VfB’s history is rich in great games. In the European final against Chelsea FC or SSC Naples. Or in the Champions League against Manchester United or FC Barcelona. A series in which the party against Real now fits. Despite being the underdog, Stuttgart will not be too quick to admit defeat against the currently best team in the world.
According to Sebastian Hoeneß, they don’t want to belittle themselves, but rather “appear very courageously and put in a good performance.” This is not meant to sound overconfident. “We have the necessary respect for an opponent who has exceptional qualities, who is the reigning Champions League winner, who of course has far more experience in the competition than we do. But we want to surprise.”
In preparing for the VfB match of the year 2024, the head coach had to find the right balance and was helped by the tight schedule. “We didn’t have much time,” explains the 42-year-old, who also has to carefully sift through what he passes on to the players from the mass of information that the Madrid team provides. “You can’t pass everything on to the players,” says Hoeneß. The conditions are “particularly challenging because it’s Real Madrid, because there are many things there that could be highlighted.”
Above all, you shouldn’t forget yourself or underestimate yourself and your qualities. “We also have to look after ourselves in Madrid, in this impressive stadium, against this impressive team. We have to bring our style of play onto the pitch.”
Chase is also there
The big challenge will be how he wants to stop the Spanish team’s outstanding attack. Although Anthony Rouault (after a shoulder injury) and Dan-Axel Zagadou (after a cruciate ligament tear) are fit to play again, Hoeneß has also brought along the talented defender Anrie Chase. He believes the 20-year-old is capable of playing. “Even though he is young and of course has no experience at this level.” Nevertheless, the signs point to Rouault. According to Hoeneß, the decision has not yet been made.
There is no doubt, however, that Deniz Undav will play. The German-Kurd exudes the courage and self-confidence that the head coach hopes for from all of his professionals. At the weekend, the new national player took issue with Antonio Rüdiger and his unpleasant style of play. The 31-year-old Real defender would like to “chicken out” above all else and is also up for a good trash talk.
The Real star has not yet responded. Undav is not expecting it and certainly not afraid of it. “He’s a grown man. He’s been playing at this level for years. I think he knows exactly what I mean.” After all, they know each other from the national team and were recently together at the European Championships. “He got to know me for six weeks. That’s why I’m not worried.”
