Hoeneß congratulates Stiller, guarantees Chase start against Mainz
The VfB gaffer also had some interesting news on his squad selection heading into this weekend's encounter against Mainz. Rookie defender Anrie Chase is slated to start on Saturday.
Angelo Stiller's selection for the German national team was met with great joy by VfB Stuttgart trainer Sebastian Hoeneß. The head-coach of the 2023/24 Bundesliga runners-up had been stumping for the youngster for quite some time. Stiller worked under Hoeneß during his time coaching both the Bayern reserves and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
“He totally deserved it and performed at a top level for many months," Hoeneß said of his protégée whilst speaking at his Thursday pre-match presser, "After the departures from the national team, it's a perfect fit because he's able to help shape a game whilst hanging close to the back-line. He has everything he needs to play a positive role in the national team. That's my firm conviction.”
When it came to another young prospect, Hoeneß had something interesting to reveal during his press-conference. Stuttgart continue to seek promising form following a loss to Leverkusen in the SuperCup and an unexpected upset defeat against Freiburg in the league opener last weekend. Hoeneß found himself pleased with the 90-minute performance of 20-year-old defender Anrie Chase in the Pokal victory that he guaranteed the youngster a start against Mainz.
Promoted to the senior team this summer, the Japanese youth international with some American roots also put in a good shift off the bench during last weekend's loss to Freiburg. Hoeneß made it clear at the Thursday presser that Chase would start alongside Jeff Chabot in central defense despite the fact the Swabians were able to land another center back in the transfer market this week.
“We are consciously opting for Anrie," Hoeneß said on Thursday, "He will play because he has done well and convinced us that he can handle the situation. He did well against Freiburg, and I thought his body language was good against Münster. It will naturally be a huge difference against Mainz, but we trust him to solve it.”