Grischa Prömel reveals Sebastian Hoeneß frustration despite Stuttgart win

Grischa Prömel has revealed that Sebastian Hoeneß was far from completely satisfied with VfB Stuttgart’s performance despite Wednesday’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Viking FK.

Stuttgart secured all three points on home soil after a stunning first-half hat-trick from Ermedin Demirovic, putting three points on the board at the start of the European campaign.

However, Prömel believes the Bundesliga outfit had plenty to improve on after they gave the Norwegian champions chances and struggled to control periods of the contest.

“We wanted to win, of course. We did what was required of us and won 3-1,” Prömel told DAZN after the game.

“It’s a nice start to the Champions League season.

“I think at times we made life difficult for ourselves. Above everything else are the three points, of course, but there are several things we can improve.

“Especially when it comes to patience, preparing our attacks and pushing up together. I felt the distances between us were too big today.

“Nevertheless, in the Champions League it’s about winning games, and that’s what we did today.”

The evening was particularly significant for Prömel, who made his first Champions League appearance in front of the Stuttgart supporters. 

Asked whether the famous anthem had brought a smile to his face, the midfielder said: “Of course. Those are moments that stay with you forever. You always dream about something like that, and now I'm on that stage myself. I was able to enjoy it.”

With Prömel's former club Hoffenheim to come on Saturday, attentions have turned immediately, with the midfielder suggesting that boss Hoeneß has already made his feelings about Wednesday's display clear.

“We'll recover well and analyse the game,” Prömel said. 

"I think the coach will put his finger on the wound again because I don't think he was entirely happy. 

“We can't be either, because against Hoffenheim it will be another step up in difficulty.”

Asked exactly how the VfB manager expressed his dissatisfaction, Prömel smiled and said: “That stays internal. But we know ourselves that we can do better.”