Sebastian Hoeneß praises Stuttgart after Bratislava victory despite difficult pitch conditions

Sebastian Hoeneß expressed his satisfaction with VfB Stuttgart's performance following Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava, while pushing back against suggestions that his side should have put the game to bed earlier.

Stuttgart dominated much of the first half but endured some difficult moments after the break before eventually securing their second consecutive victory in the competition.

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, Hoeneß praised his team's performance, particularly during the opening 45 minutes.

"We didn't allow anything, nothing significant, and created a great deal ourselves," Hoeneß said.

"The only thing that didn't really fit was the scoreline. I was very satisfied with that."

The Stuttgart coach acknowledged that his side had been fortunate when Bratislava had a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half, although he felt the visitors ultimately deserved their victory.

"At the beginning of the second half, we had a bit of luck, you have to say that, particularly with the long ball and the goal," he explained.

"We were lucky that it was ruled offside. I couldn't see whether there was contact."

Hoeneß also highlighted the difficult playing conditions, with the poor surface contributing to several uncharacteristic mistakes in possession.

"Players slipping, the ball bouncing away just before controlling it, those are things you don't normally see to that extent," he said.

"But huge compliments to my team. It was important to keep a clean sheet and win 3-0. Wonderful."

Asked whether Stuttgart could have secured the victory earlier by taking more of their chances, Hoeneß was reluctant to dwell on the negatives.

"I think that's looking for problems a little too much," he responded.

"Of course, perhaps we could have been more clinical, more efficient and taken more chances.

"But first and foremost, I'm happy that we created so many opportunities and allowed very little."

The 44-year-old was also keen to emphasise the significance of Stuttgart's six points from their opening two Champions League matches.

"We're delighted to have picked up six points in the Champions League. That's not something you can take for granted," he said.

"Even today, there are results that you wouldn't have expected. That's why you shouldn't take anything, absolutely anything, for granted in the Champions League."