VfB praise new coach after victory, Hoeneß provides update on Guirassy
VfB Stuttgart actors were, understandably, incredibly pleased with their crucial home victory at the Mercedes Benz Arena on Saturday afternoon. VfB trainer Sebastian Hoeneß also provided an injury update on lead-striker Serhou Guirassy.
Mere minutes after making a crucial save late in second-half injury time, VfB Stuttgart keeper Fabian Bredlow was naturally over-the-moon when conducting his post-match interview with Sky Germany. The recently installed #1 net-minder called the 2-1 win over visiting Borussia Mönchengladbach a "victory of willpower".
The vital three points secured leave newly installed VfB Stuttgart trainer Sebastian Hoeneß undefeated in five fixtures in charge of the team. Hoeneß looks especially competent for his decision to select 22-year-old Tanguy Coulibaly to take the team's penalties. Coulibaly restored the lead late after, as Hoeneß revealed, "he [Coulibaly] hit every penalty in training yesterday."
VfB defender Waldemar Anton, moved back to his natural central defensive position by the new head-coach, was full of praise for his gaffer. Anton spoke on the togetherness in the locker room since Hoeneß took charge and emphasized that there was a new "team spirit" in place.
"We know we must take care of it ourselves," Anton told his Sky interviewer, "We've implemented that well in recent weeks.The coach takes every player with him. He is very calm in his speeches, very clear. That, I think, fits quite well at the moment."
There's plenty of positive news in the Stuttgart camp heading into Wednesday's DFB Pokal semi-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt. Though lead striker Serhou Guirassy had two exit proceedings with an eye wound, struggling attacker Tiago Tomas came on to play well and draw the winning penalty.
Hoeneß didn't necessarily wish to sound the "all clear" for Guirassy when it came to Wednesday's affair. Stuttgart will certainly fancy their chances against the SGE with Eintracht lead-striker Randal Kolo Muani possibly being a doubt. This potential advantage would, of course, be negated if Guirassy can't play for the Swabians.
he has a small cut and a little swelling," Hoeneß said of his squad's leading goal-scorer, "There was limited vision and we had to take him off I don't want to give the green light too early, because then there was already a clear swelling. We have to see that it doesn't get any worse. But of course I hope he will be available on Wednesday."