VfB trainer challenges squad: "It's a question of character."
After four games without a win, VfB Stuttgart head-coach Pellegrino Matarazzo issued a direct challenge to his players ahead of their weekend clash.
| Pellegrino Matarazzo. |
"I wasn't pleased with our lack of forward momentum," Matarazzo said when referencing the team's 1-3 to Leverkusen last week, "There was sand in the gears. The performances were unacceptable from my vantage point. Summoning up energy is a question of character. This [coming] game is important for us to show what we can do and what we really want."
Stuttgart couldn't manage a goal last week despite the fact that they were gifted a man advantage shortly after the half-hour mark. Florian Wirtz even added another tally for the visitors while the hapless hosts struggled to get their offense into gear. Defensively speaking, Stuttgart have conceded twelve goals through five rounds. Only Bochum and Fürth have allowed in more.
"Defending to the last man, blocking crosses, and winning aerial duels," the American trainer elaborated, "are [also] matters of attitude."