Nübel expresses amazement at VfB Stuttgart's showing
There's discontent at VfB Stuttgart following their sloppy start in Freiburg. Goalkeeper Nübel expresses his surprise at his team's drop in performance. Hoeneß insists on improving resilience - despite all the team's personnel issues.
Sebastian Hoenneß's message to his players was crystal clear as they departed. "We need to improve in handling tough phases," the VfB Stuttgart coach stated after the team's poor performance in the Bundesliga. "That's crucial." The Swabians are still adapting to their new role. Expectations have soared. As runners-up, VfB is now perceived differently by the opposition. The team was well aware of this, having acknowledged it numerous times during the summer. However, the disappointment was profound.
Despite an early lead through new striker prospect Ermedin Demirovic in the second minute, VfB lost the regional derby against SC Freiburg 1:3 (1:1). The defeat could have been even more devastating. There was hardly any evidence of the thrilling offensive football from the previous season, instead, the Stuttgarters lost control defensively at times. Lukas Kübler (27/61) and Ritsu Doan (54) exploited these lapses.
VfB goalkeeper Alexander Nübel found his team's performance drop surprising compared to the previous week. "The runs were lacking a bit," he analyzed. "And the confidence." How could this happen? Just a week ago, the Stuttgarters had put up a good fight in the closely contested Supercup against champions and cup winners Bayer Leverkusen. Their performance in Breisgau left them somewhat puzzled.
Champions League as an additional challenge
Of course, VfB entered the game with severe defensive personnel problems, with Angelo Stiller having to step in and consequently missing out on his role as a key midfielder. However, it would be simplistic to attribute the poor performance solely to this factor. The Swabians lacked energy, innovation, and ultimately resilience.
They will need all of these qualities in the coming weeks, as they will be competing in three competitions and aiming for a prominent role. On Tuesday, the first round of the DFB-Pokal awaits against second division side Preußen Münster. On Thursday, the group stage draw for the Champions League will take place. Big nights are approaching. The anticipation is high. However, performances like the one in Freiburg also raise doubts. Can VfB preserve their level, or is a sporting setback nearby?
New leaders must replace the star trio
"We need to keep pushing, keep our chins up," said Demirovic. The striker joined Stuttgart from FC Augsburg in the summer for over 20 million euros and is supposed to fill the gap left by Serhou Guirassy, who moved to Borussia Dortmund. Captain Waldemar Anton and defensive ace Hiroki Ito have also left for Dortmund and Bayern Munich, respectively. VfB must once again compensate for substantial departures.
For coach Hoeneß, it will also be about integrating the numerous new players as quickly as possible. And for some professionals - like new defensive leader Jeff Chabot or Atakan Karazor, who replaced Anton as the playmaker - it will be about rapidly assuming their roles. "We'll draw our conclusions. Last year, such defeats often aided us," said keeper Nübel. Let's hope it's the case this time, so that the disappointment at VfB transforms into euphoria once more.
After the disappointing loss against SC Freiburg, Sebastían Hoeneß urged his team to improve their handling of tough phases, recognizing the increased expectations as runners-up. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel expressed his surprise at the drop in performance compared to the previous week's match, expressing concern about the lacking runs and confidence.
With the first round of the DFB-Pokal against Preußen Münster approaching, VfB will need to regain their energy, innovation, and resilience to compete in three competitions and aim for a prominent role. New leaders like striker Ermedin Demirovic and defensive leader Jeff Chabot must quickly assume their roles, while the team reflects on past defeats to turn their disappointment into euphoria.
