VfB Stuttgart have a very difficult away game ahead of them. On Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3:30 p.m.), the Swabians who have not won this season (four draws, one defeat) are guests at FC Bayern Munich. In the southern classic, head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo not only has to do without the suspended Josha Vagnoman.
Against the German record champions there is an opportunity to show “what we’re capable of – above all how we stand on the pitch with focus, unity and heart,” explained Matarazzo to the assembled press conference on Thursday. “If we act as a unit and fight back, we’ll be able to score points away from home in Munich,” the trainer said combatively. “We’re going there to get something.” As part of the game preparation, the double switching movement was one of the focal points in the training sessions. “This includes switching not only after winning the ball, but also after possible ball losses,” emphasized the VfB coach. Against FC Bayern, his team has to be very attentive in both directions. “In addition, it will be important to always ensure control and relief through own possession of the ball,” said the 44-year-old. “We are prepared, our focus is on our own strengths and qualities.”
On Saturday afternoon, Matarazzo not only has to do without the suspended Josha Vagnoman (yellow-red suspension) and Luca Pfeiffer (red suspension). Tanguy Coulibaly (backlog after a toe injury), Niklas Nartey (rehab after thigh injury) and Laurin Ulrich (hip flexor injury) are all injured. “Nikolas and Tanguy are still in partial training – it will take some time, but they are on the right track,” said the VfB coach.
TW: Florian Müller – In the previous five league games, Müller has not conceded once.IV: Konstantinos Mavropanos – The Greek national player is expected in the back three on the right side.IV: Waldemar Anton – The chief of defense is planned for the center.IV: Hiroki Ito – The 23-year-old Japanese has also secured his place in the starting eleven.RM: Silas – In addition to Silas, Chris Führich or Pascal Stenzel are also possible as Vagnoman representatives.ZM: Wataru Endo – The captain starts as usual in central midfield. CM: Atakan Karazor – With the 25-year-old Matarazzo could muster a second six.LM: Borna Sosa – Sosa takes over the left flank.OM: Tiago Tomas – The loan from Sporting Lisbon could displace Lilian Egloff from the starting lineup.OM: Chris Führich – If Karazor is in the starting eleven, Führich or Naouirou Ahamada will probably have to make way for the bench.MS: Serhou Guirassy – After his joker use on the last day of the game, the new signing H make openings on his starting XI debut.
Against FC Bayern it is quite conceivable that Matarazzo will align his system a little more defensively and muster two sixes (3-4-2-1). Should Sosa drop something, the chain of three becomes a chain of four.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as VfB Stuttgart: The likely line-up against Bayern Munich.
