During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Xabi Alonso spoke with Get German Football News about VfB Stuttgart, Sebastian Hoeneß, and the demands that a game against the Swabians brings.
Alonso’s side travel to 8th place Stuttgart ahead of Sunday evening’s game this weekend. They’ll be looking for an immediate response to last matchday’s 0-2 loss to Werder Bremen.
A disappointing defeat regardless, but the fact they failed to close the gap on Bayern, themselves losing last weekend, made it all the more disappointing.
Games between B04 and Stuttgart are always well anticipated by Bundesliga fans. In their last four meetings in all competitions, we’ve witnessed 13 goals and even a penalty shootout.
GGFN questioned Alonso on the threat VfB carries and how he plans on nullifying Stuttgart’s attacking threat.
“I think we know each other very well, these are the games you always look forward to and enjoy watching.”
He continued: “We know their qualities. They have good intensity and know when to trigger the press. They get good distance between players and can create space in order for their forwards to run into.”
The B04 coach then spoke about his Stuttgart counterpart, Sebastian Hoeneß, and what B04 must do in order to win.
“They have been a great time to watch for a while now under Sebastian Hoeneß. We will have to do many good things to stop them for sure. It will be demanding [for our players].”
Leverkusen are still without talisman Florian Wirtz, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, which will see him sidelined until early April.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
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