It sounds paradoxical: VfB Stuttgart has three points fewer than Hertha BSC before the last matchday of the Bundesliga – and yet they have a more relaxed starting position.
The Swabians can actually only win in the final three-way battle for staying up next Saturday. The Berliners, however, after missing out on the early rescue, still have a lot to lose. And Arminia Bielefeld, second to last in the table, can probably still stretch, but only a miracle can prevent the impending relegation.
VfB, a “lucky bag”
“We took a step against a possible relegation to a possible fixed relegation. If anyone can do something like that, it’s us. Because we feel like a grab bag,” said Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic after the surprising 2-2 win at the German champions FC Bayern Munich on Sunday evening. It was the culmination of a weekend that was almost perfect from VfB’s point of view. The Bielefeld last-minute defeat at VfL Bochum (1:2) and above all Hertha’s home defeat against 1. FSV Mainz 05 (1:2) give Stuttgart every chance.
VfB, which had already prepared for relegation and even feared falling onto a direct relegation zone, suddenly has their sights set on 15th place, which entitles them to remain in the league. Hertha is currently occupying it. The Berliners have three points more than the Swabians, but the worse goal difference. If the Berliners lose at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Stuttgart could still overtake them with a win against 1. FC Köln. Bielefeld, on the other hand, is three points behind VfB. In order to displace Stuttgart from the relegation rank, Arminia would have to hope for a Cologne victory, win against RB Leipzig themselves and catch up seven goals behind.
“The optimism comes back when the game went so well on Sunday that we still have a chance,” said Bielefeld interim coach Marco Kostmann before the game in Munich. A victory for Bayern would have brought back much more optimism.
Stuttgart must “do homework”
VfB are now much more relaxed about the arithmetic games than a few days ago, but are mainly concentrating on themselves. “If we get three points, Hertha must also score points against Dortmund,” said coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. If you score against Cologne, you don’t have to “look back”. Before looking at Hertha, you have to “do your homework” first, emphasized sporting director Sven Mislintat. The former Dortmund chief scout also firmly believes in his ex-club’s support.
“I’m very sure that Dortmund will take it seriously,” said Mislintat, adding jokingly with a view to his BVB past: “I hope that wires don’t have to glow anymore.” Dortmund’s pros are “absolute sports people,” said the 49-year-old: “They will give everything and try to win the last game in front of their home crowd. I’m not worried about that.” Especially since BVB should be looking for compensation after their derby defeat against Bochum (3: 4) in the last home game.
Magath prepares for relegation
In any case, Hertha coach Magath does not seem to have much confidence in his team when they are runners-up. “I have no idea how you judge football. We’re playing against those second in the table, we’re 15th in the table,” the 68-year-old snapped at a questioner recently. “As a professional who I consider myself to be, I prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Means since Saturday evening: the relegation.
Hamburger SV would now be waiting there. He would be an explosive opponent for both Hertha and VfB. For the Berliners, because Magath was once a player and coach in Hamburg. For Stuttgart, because HSV is coached by former VfB coach Tim Walter. Even after the league final, things will continue to be exciting. Only: for whom?