Hoeneß gives thoughts ahead of Pokal quarter-final

Ahead of Tuesday evening’s DFB-Pokal quarter-final against Augsburg, Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß spoke out on the club’s recent form, as well as providing an injury update ahead of the clash on home soil.

“It’s the cup. We’re in the quarter-finals, which is good. Of course, we want to get to the semi-finals,” said Hoeneß regarding the prospect of progression.

“With every round, the dream of the cup final comes closer. But, my mind is preparing for tomorrow’s game.”

Die Schwaben overcame Tuesday’s opponents in January, beating Augsburg by a goal to nil at the WWKArena to kickstart 2025. Hoeneß however was keen to outline that a lot has changed since winning in Bavaria. 

“The game against Augsburg was a long time ago for me. It was only three weeks ago, but in between, there were six or seven games for us. They [Augsburg] were very efficient, which earned them a lot of points. The fact is, we will play against a team that has built up self-confidence.”

After starting 2025 in fantastic fashion, VfB have tailed off across the last two weeks, losing to Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, as well as suffering a torrid 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint Germain, a defeat that sent the club crashing out of the Champions League.

Hoeneß himself outlined the mental fortitude required for his players to crawl out of this slump, as well as highlighting the impacts that midweek matches, or ‘Englischen Woche’ have had on the group.

“Of course, we would have liked to continue playing [Champions League]. The many English weeks are taking their toll, and not just on us. It’s noticeable, that’s human. If we want to achieve special things, then we have to control things mentally. It’s a demanding season.”

“We have to work on the momentum again. But that’s part of it sometimes. On Tuesday we have the chance to correct that again.”

Regarding team news for the encounter, Hoeneß confirmed that Alexander Nübel will start in between the sticks for Stuttgart, whilst Ameen Al-Dhakil will be absent after suffering an injury against Gladbach at the weekend.

There are also question marks surrounding Nick Woltemade, who has been sick since yesterday according to Hoeneß