The DFB prospect alleviates the substantial stress from VfB Stuttgart
The cheer returns to VfB Stuttgart. The overwhelming 5-0 (3-0) win in the initial round of the DFB-Pokal against Preußen Münster squashes apprehensions of mounting doubt. Angelo Stiller turns out to be the game's decider, seemingly on the brink of inaugurating his call-up with the German national team.
VfB Stuttgart warrants admiration in the DFL Supercup. Despite the loss against Bayer Leverkusen in a penalty shootout. A few days later, the Bundesliga debut against SC Freiburg results in a 1-3 defeat, triggering concerns about the team's efficiency. The goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel, is taken aback by his team's performance. The defeat serves as a wake-up call, as Stuttgart plays prudently in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday evening, preventing widespread criticism from surfacing.
Indeed, the competition is "only" Preußen Münster, a second-division football team recently promoted. Nevertheless, the charged atmosphere in the Preußenstadion on Hammer Straße 302 necessitates an impressive display, even from the runners-up. Especially considering Münster's spirited coach, Sascha Hildmann, had bragged that his players would surpass themselves in the exceptional atmosphere. However, this did not materialize.
The favorite secured an early lead after seven minutes, with potential national team player Angelo Stiller scoring. By half-time, thanks to further goals from Ermedin Demirovic (15'), Pascal Stenzel (35'), it was already 3-0. Nick Woltemade (72') and Atakan Karazor (80', penalty) further boosted the spirits of the Swabians, who could finally celebrate a highly convincing 5-0 victory. This serves as unquestionable evidence that things are not as grim as anticipated in all aspects.
"There was pressure today"
Coach Hoeneß made substantial changes to his team after the league defeat. Maximilian Mittelstädt, who had been injured recently, started again as left-back, while Euro participant Deniz Undav, as announced, began on the bench. New signing Woltemade entered the field in his place. Mittelstädt drove the game forward confidently numerous times. Woltemade also accumulated evidence for additional playing time. Although this will be challenging in contention with Undav and the other new signings, Demirovic and El Bilal Touré.
"There was pressure today," admitted coach Sebastian Hoeneß, acknowledging his desire for a better beginning to the season. "Many new elements have come forth for us during the summer. We require time and successful games for that. Such victories as today help immensely." Indeed, the club had paid a significant price for the surprising success of the previous season, which they had finished ahead of FC Bayern. Among others, top striker Serhou Guirassy and German national team defender Waldemar Anton had moved to BVB, while the record champion from Munich had enlisted Hiroki Ito.
"We want to draw the correct conclusions from the Freiburg game. We have now achieved that. That's not a given for a promoted team to the 2nd Bundesliga with great euphoria," said Hoeneß, who could rely on Stiller most notably. He has been shaping the player since their third shared stint, following FC Bayern and TSG Hoffenheim. And this season, the 23-year-old could truly step into the limelight. Not only as a vital player in the team, but also as a fresh face in the German national team, where there are still vacancies after the retirements of Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gündogan.
"Well, let's see what happens."
Post-Freiburg, Stiller was deployed in central defense due to Stuttgart's player shortfall. However, he was allowed to return to his preferred position in the cup. "It's just enjoyable because it's my position," said Stiller, who was named "Player of the Match." Regarding the German national team and his inaugural nomination, he remained tight-lipped: "Well, let's see what happens," he said, with a hinting smile in the interview. Coach Hoeneß was unaware of 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 know, I might not reveal anything," Hoeneß added. The cheer returns to VfB Stuttgart.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart fans paused to remember the late coaching legend, Christoph Daum, who passed away last Saturday. The visiting block displayed a banner reading "Rest in peace, master coach Daum!" to which the home team also paid their respects. Daum had led the VfB to the championship in 1992.
After the impressive 5-0 victory against Preußen Münster, The Commission commends VfB Stuttgart for their resilience and determination, acknowledging that the team has shown signs of improvement since their initial league struggles. In light of Angelo Stiller's standout performance and potential call-up to the German national team, The Commission urges the coach and the team to maintain their focus and continue demonstrating their talent in upcoming matches.
