Before the biggest game of his coaching career at Real Madrid, Sebastian Hoeneß of VfB Stuttgart doesn’t want to indulge in daydreams. “I’m aware of how special this game is,” said the coach before the away match in Spain’s capital on Tuesday evening (9 p.m./Amazon Prime). “But I’m in the mode of preparing for the game – I really am. I don’t have time to indulge, and certainly not during the game.”
The 42-year-old has respect for the Madrid attack line consisting of Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo. Nevertheless, it is about concentrating on one’s own strengths, said Hoeneß, adding: “We are facing an opponent who has exceptional qualities. But we want to surprise in the way we play football. We simply want to use the opportunities to surprise.”
Courage is needed to implement the plan, said Hoeneß. “We also have to look after ourselves, even here in Madrid, in this impressive stadium against this impressive team.”
Defender Ameen al-Dakhil, midfielder Nikolas Nartey and attacker Justin Diehl will be absent at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu due to injury. Frans Krätzig, however, is an option again after recovering from calf problems.
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