"We've got nothing to lose" - Hoeneß on final away game of the season

Ahead of tonight's fixture at the WWK Arena, Sebastian Hoeneß is keen to ensure that concentration levels remain high within his squad.

“I'm not out on the training pitch with a whip in my hand, because I have to allow the boys to let out a bit of gas.” Said Hoeneß after a celebration-filled period in which VfB's Champions League future was confirmed, followed by a memorable victory against Bayern Munich.
 

“But for me, there's no alternative but to go all-in for the last couple of games. We've got nothing to lose and will send out a strong team in Augsburg.”

Ahead of the fixture, Maximilian Mittelstädt and Enzo Millot are both available for selection after missing the Bayern match through suspension. Hoeneß stated, “They will probably both be back in the side but otherwise there are one or two question marks.”

Hoeneß is still without Nikolas Nartey and Dan-Axel Zagadou, both of whom have been out long-term. 

“Niko was back on the pitch today and was involved in parts of training again for the first time.”

“We're very hopeful that he will come through it well and will be back with us properly in the summer.”

“Daxo is also on the right track and was recently with us for a check up.”

VfB travel to European chasers Augsburg, with Hoeneß eluding to their quality during his Thursday press conference.

“They're still fighting for a place in Europe, so we'll need to be prepared both mentally and physically.”

“They've got two physically robust strikers in Phillip Tietz and Ermedin Demirovic, who are difficult to defend against.”

VfB sit two points behind Bayern in the race for second place. With a home fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach remaining after tonight's trip to Augsburg, Hoeneß carries hope that the standards set by his side do not drop ahead of a potential battle with Bayern to snatch second as the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign comes to a close.