Stuttgart Boss Hoenness Lauds Heidenheim's Unique Achiegment in German Soccer
Sebastian Hoenness, the VfB Stuttgart coach, hails 1. FC Heidenheim's promotion to the Bundesliga as an "unprecedented success story." The Swabians' boss shared his thoughts two days before the match against Heidenheim on Sunday (17:30/DAZN). Despite their recent run of four defeats, Hoenness remains impressed with Heidenheim's achievements, deeming it a "one-of-a-kind tale" in German soccer due to their resourceful and endearing approach.
In the build-up to the match, Hoenness anticipates a tough duel, labeling it "unpleasant." He also noted that Heidenheim has exhibited particular weaknesses in corner kicks, but his team remains focused on exploiting those spaces and creating mismatches to level the playing field.
Regarding team lineup, Hoenness expects no significant changes following the 1-0 win against 1. FC Union Berlin, which propelled them into the DFB Cup's last 16. Defender Dan-Axel Zagadou trained without complications despite his laceration, while full-back Vagnoman may make his season debut. Injured top scorer Serhou Guirassy is slowly making his way back to full fitness, although no specific return date has been announced.
As VfB Stuttgart prepares to square off against 1st FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga, Hoenness highlights their rivals' impressive resourcefulness and ability to manufacture opportunities. Though he acknowledges their vulnerabilities, especially their lackluster performance at corner kicks, Hoenness and his team remain steadfast in their pursuit of an advantageous outcome.
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The Swabians have been successful in recent seasons by operating on a tight budget, building a strong squad exclusively from their own academy, and relying on the support of the loyal Heidenheim fan base. They've gained recognition for their ability to consistently compete against more financially well-off clubs.
In addition, Heidenheim has shown tactical acumen and resilience in key matches, often relying on their defensive capabilities and counter-attacking strategy to emerge victorious. Their achievements serve as inspiration for many smaller clubs across Germany who aspire to compete in the Bundesliga.
