Hoeneß says "The situation is clear" ahead of Champions League clash

“The situation is clear - there's no point beating about the bush,” said Hoeneß. 

“We want to show we're determined to win the game from the get-go. It's a very important game for us.”

VfB have only collected four points from their five matches since the clubs return to the competition, and a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Red Star Belgrade did nothing to help die Schwaben in regards to potential further qualification. Regardless, this remains the aim for Hoeneß and his side. 

“We obviously want to play those two additional matches and stay in the competition,” remarked the 42-year-old, who continued on to discuss opponents Young Boys, who have been a dominant force in Switzerland in recent years, securing six of the last seven league titles across the border.

“They are facing a few challenges in the league this season, but that doesn't change their general approach. They play direct and get the ball forward quickly, and they are very active without the ball, too.”

Hoeneß also touched upon the energy levels of his side, with Stuttgart going through an inconsistent period throughout the first half of the 24/25 campaign, saying, "We need to combine good positioning with the corresponding energy levels.

On home soil at the MHPArena, VfB will be eager to pile the pressure on their opponents from Bern, with the visitors conceding 36 goals thus far in the Champions League this season. 

Hoeneß now has Ameen Al-Dakhil ready for selection once again, with the defender being part of the matchday squad for tonight's encounter.

Jamie Leweling, El Bilal Toure, Deniz Undav and Dan-Axel Zagadou all remain sidelined through injury, something rather synonymous with Stuttgart's season thus far as the club grapples with an intensified schedule.