Stuttgart (dpa) – This shock of the serious mistake in the relegation battle of VfB Stuttgart should be alleviated a little on Monday. Sports director Sven Mislintat hopes so, at least sincerely.
That with the start of the new week of training, the images that show the frustration of the last few minutes have faded. Konstantinos Mavropanos lying on the ground after his fatal foul. How he crouched down after the equalizer in added time to make it 1-1 (0-0) at VfL Bochum and pulled his jersey over his face. How he stands bitterly on the lawn and Mislintat hugs him.
Stuttgart brings the victory late
In its precarious situation in the Bundesliga, the penultimate table also stands in its own way. With an unnecessary penalty kick caused by Mavropanos, who brought the Swabians – as well as wasted chances – to victory. “Who wasn’t devastated after the game? It sucks and it hurts,” commented coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. “I think the goal against at the end fits into the overall picture of the season,” complained the coach, who had again received a job guarantee: “We’re experiencing a lot of setbacks. Somehow the momentum isn’t on our side.”
Bit by bit, the third relegation since 2016 seems to be getting closer for VfB, who have now been without a win for eight games. Mislintat was also deeply disappointed in front of his home arena on Saturday evening when he commented on the renewed setback. It just seems difficult to “get up again,” the 49-year-old admitted.
VfB played well and luck was on their side in the deserved 1-0 win. Orel Mangala headed to Armel Bella Kotchap (56′) after a corner, and the ball fell into the goal from Bochum. After the numerous injuries to top performers and Corona cases, it looked like this game against Bochum would finally bring the victory that the Swabians have been waiting for since December 11th.
A late neck blow ensures a draw
Until stoppage time. Until Mavropanos didn’t hit the ball, but Sebastian Polter unhappily grabbed it and Eduard Löwen converted the penalty safely. The VfB professionals collapsed. Another setback. It was the most succinct scene of that tie that felt like defeat, but not the only crucial one. Because it also took revenge that the host missed opportunities. “I should have made it 2-0!” Mangala apologized.
It was hardly a consolation that the gap to FC Augsburg in the relegation rank was reduced by one point to three points. If the game had ended 1-0 instead of 1-1, VfB would have come within a point. Now the record reads frighteningly: 19 points after 23 games. It was only worse in 2018/2019. The season ended in relegation.
Mislintat and Matarazzo take refuge in perseverance slogans, talk about the weakest team in the second half of the season. “I am absolutely certain that – as difficult as it feels right now – they will come back and get up on Monday,” said Mislintat, “and do everything they can to support one of their absolute leaders on the pitch, Dinos Mavropanos, in such a way that it best results in a three-pointer against Hoffenheim.” The defender is “one of those guys who grows in personality in a situation like this.” Matarazzo said: “The team has enough quality in this situation to hold the league. I’m sure that we’ll start rolling with the first sense of achievement.”
Imminent failure – Hoffenheim is waiting
The race to catch up may have to work for weeks without Silas Katompa Mvumpa. The attacker, after a month-long break in search of top form, injured his shoulder. It was initially unclear how long he would be out. “So much is going against us this season and that’s why we think: ‘Now even more’,” said Matarazzo on Sky: “If we can look back on this giant board in eleven games and still celebrate, then that’s a bond that will last a lifetime.” On Friday it is only once in Hoffenheim.