In the context of German football, DFB candidate Stiller alleviates the substantial stress from VfB Stuttgart.
The jubilation is back at VfB Stuttgart. The commanding 5-0 (3-0) victory in the initial round of the DFB-Pokal against Preußen Münster dissipates apprehensions of mounting unrest. Angelo Stiller emerges as the match victor, seemingly on the brink of his DFB debut.
Despite the setback in the DFL Supercup against Bayer Leverkusen, which was lost in a penalty shootout, the team managed to put on a strong show during their Bundesliga opener against SC Freiburg. However, things took a turn for the worse, resulting in a disappointing 1-3 defeat. Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel was taken aback by his team's performance, but it seemed to serve as a wake-up call. On this fateful Tuesday evening in the DFB-Pokal, the Stuttgart squad was wide-awake and swiftly silenced any damning chatter before it could escalate.
Although the opposition was "only" Preußen Münster - a second division football team that had just been promoted this season - playing against them at the Preußenstadion on Hammer Straße 302 was no walk in the park. Especially for a runner-up. Sascha Hildmann, the euphoric coach, had announced that his players would excel themselves in the electric atmosphere. However, that didn't happen.
The favorite hit the front after merely seven minutes, with potential national player Angelo Stiller scoring. By half-time, after additional goals from Ermedin Demirovic (15.) and Pascal Stenzel (35.), it was already 3-0. Nick Woltemade (72.) and Atakan Karazor (80., penalty) further elevated the spirits of the Swabians, who finally celebrated a resounding 5-0 triumph. This marked a powerful declaration that things weren't as bleak as they appeared in more ways than one.
"There was tension today"
Coach Hoeneß made several tactical adjustments to his squad following the league defeat. Maximilian Mittelstädt, who had been injured recently, returned to action as a left-back, while Euro participant Deniz Undav, as announced, took a seat on the bench. New signing Woltemade started in his place. Mittelstädt drove the game forward with courage on several occasions. And Woltemade collected a few persuasive arguments for more playing time. However, competition with Undav and the other new signings Demirovic and El Bilal Touré was fierce.
"There was tension today," admitted coach Sebastian Hoeneß, candidly addressing the fact that he had hoped for a better beginning to the season. "Many new things have taken place for us during the summer. We need time and successful games for that. Wins like today help without a doubt." Indeed, the club had paid a heavy price for their impressive performance in the previous season, which they had ended in first place ahead of FC Bayern. Among other things, top striker Serhou Guirassy and DFB defender Waldemar Anton had moved to BVB, while record champions from Munich had snatched up Hiroki Ito.
"We want to draw the right conclusions from the game in Freiburg. We have now managed to do so. That's not self-evident for a promoted team with great enthusiasm in the 2nd league," Hoeneß said, acknowledging Stiller's influence. He had been molding the player since their third common team, following FC Bayern and TSG Hoffenheim. And this season, the 23-year-old had the opportunity to shine in a significant role. Not only as a key player for the club but also as a potential newcomer to the DFB team. There were still vacant spots following the retirements of Toni Kroos and İlkay Gündoğan.
After an unexpected stint in central defense against Freiburg due to Stuttgart's severe personnel shortage, Stiller was granted permission to return to his favored position in the cup. "It's just fun because it's my position," said Stiller, who was named "Player of the Match." However, he was more reserved when asked about a potential call-up to the German national team and his first nomination: "Well, let's see," he said, revealing a sly smile during the interview. Coach Hoeneß had no information regarding any call-up by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for the upcoming matches against Hungary (September 7) and the Netherlands (September 11). "And even if I did, I might not say anything," Hoeneß added, still sporting his smile. The cheerfulness had returned to VfB Stuttgart.
Meanwhile, the Stuttgart faithful took a moment to pay their respects. In remembrance of the legendary coach Christoph Daum, who had passed away last Saturday, the visiting block displayed a banner reading "Rest in peace, master coach Daum!" - the hosts also applauded. Daum had led the team to a championship victory in 1992.
In the face of the challenging match against Preußen Münster, VfB Stuttgart showcased their resilience and secured a commanding 5-0 victory, quelling any concerns of unrest within the team. Despite the recent disappointing 1-3 defeat in the Bundesliga, Stiller's impressive performance in the cup game brought hope of a potential DFB debut for the young midfielder.
