analysis
It is still possible for VfB Stuttgart to defend their title in the DFB Cup. What can coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team take from the game against Kiel?
Anyone who was hoping for fireworks should reconsider their expectations. No, VfB Stuttgart’s 3-0 (0-0) win in the DFB Cup quarter-finals at Holstein Kiel was definitely not nice – but it couldn’t have been expected in advance either. It was more the definition of a labor victory – which was also due to the conditions. Tackling a low-lying opponent on a bad pitch in strong winds and sub-zero temperatures certainly wasn’t worth the entertainment tax for the professionals from the Bundesliga’s fourth-place team, but all in all they did their job confidently.
Deniz Undav (56th minute), Chris Führich (90th) and Atakan Karazor (90th + 2) scored for the defending champions, who have reached at least the semi-finals three times in the last four years. This means that the Swabians are in the last four of the DFB Cup for only the second time in their history in two seasons in a row. Previously this had only been achieved in 1996/97 and 1997/98. So the direction is right – and SWR Sport says what the five insights from the game in Kiel are.
Firstly: VfB Stuttgart is now very stable
The game in Kiel was the fourth English week in a row for the Swabians after the mini-winter break. Last year, the triple load was new for the Hoeneß team, which sometimes caused stress and dips in performance due to the unfamiliar rhythm. This season, VfB Stuttgart is doing the “dance at three weddings” much better. The team seems resilient, everyone is eager to play. Coach Hoeneß likes to rotate often, which makes every player feel important and give it their all when they are allowed to play. The Swabians’ learning and adaptation curve is high, which was also evident in the “disgusting” match in Kiel.
Since January 10th VfB has already played eight competitive games. The balance: six wins, one draw, one defeat – with a goal difference of 18:8. The team rarely plays like stars, but acts seriously, knowing that it is always able to score from the front. Be it through a standard situation, like in the 1-0 win in Kiel by Undav. Or at the last minute, like last Sunday against SC Freiburg (1-0) by Ermedin Demirovic. Coach Hoeneß was correspondingly satisfied after reaching the semi-finals. “We had control of the game, we allowed very little. The bottom line is that the win is okay, even if it was a tough job for us,” he said.
Second: The VfB defense is (finally) secure
On December 6th Last year, VfB suffered a 5-0 home defeat against FC Bayern. In the eleven competitive games that have followed since then, they have only conceded a total of nine goals. This is due to several factors, one of which is continuity. Jeff Chabot, Ramon Hendriks and Finn Jeltsch on the inside as well as Maximilian Mittelstädt and Josha Vagnoman on the wings are largely set, apart from minor breaks. Coach Hoeneß has currently significantly weakened the “hardcore rotation” from last autumn. You can clearly see how well-coordinated his defense is, the players are in top form.
Goalkeeper Alexander Nübel is also having a top year so far. He has overcome minor insecurities and has already shown some “big saves”, for example in Leverkusen with a monster save, against Frankfurt in stoppage time or in Gladbach with a saved penalty. And finally, the remaining defense is also correct. In other words: despite all the offensive urges, the protection is right. No team in the world can stop all chances, but VfB isn’t allowing too much at the moment. The balance of the team is right.
Third: Deniz Undav is indispensable for VfB Stuttgart
When Deniz Undav recently didn’t score for two games, there was already criticism from the tabloids and some – not all – fans already started to “buzz”. Completely unjustified, because Undav is an absolute factor for VfB’s current run and good season. The cup game in Kiel was further proof. Undav missed a good chance in the first half, but then scored to give Stuttgart the lead, set up Führich’s second goal and gave the pre-assist before Karazor made it 3-0.
Undav freely admitted after the Holstein game that he had left a lot behind lately. But he always knew that he would score at some point, the attacker continued. And he’s right – no striker in the world converts every chance. According to Undav, it is important to get the opportunities in the first place. “If I didn’t have them, I would be worried,” he said. “You have to perform and that’s what I’m doing right now.”
This is also reflected in the statistics. Only Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) has had more goal participations in the top five leagues with 23 scorers since the beginning of November than the German international striker, who has since scored 22 (14 goals, 8 assists) in 19 competitive games. This puts Undav ahead of top stars such as Bayern’s Michael Olise (20), Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona, 18) and Mason Greenwood (Olympique Marseille, 18). “Think about what names those are,” said Undav after the Kiel game. “It’s quite an honor that I’m here.” He’s right!
Fourth: Chris Führich is a factor again
Anyone who saw Chris Führich’s celebration after his goal in Kiel knows: every goal or assist is balm for the winger’s soul. Führich was not a factor in the 15 Bundesliga games up to Christmas, he was only allowed to start four times. Coach Hoeneß always emphasized that the offensive man did not let himself down and gave full throttle in every training session. In the new year, Führich is finally important again. A top performance in the 4-1 win in Leverkusen, against Eintracht (3:2) he added, He scored against Union Berlin (1:1).most recently against Freiburg after VfB won the ball through high pressing, he quickly provided the pre-assist for Demirovic’s winning goal. Führich’s current form is reminiscent of the runner-up season 2023/2024.
Fifth: Atakan Karazor defies the competition
Atakan Karazor scoring a goal doesn’t happen that often. The VfB captain scored against Kiel – in a way that well describes his goal threat. After Demirovic’s assist, he circled around Holstein keeper Timon Weiner, but stumbled, fell and accidentally pushed the ball into the goal with his hip. Nobody asks anymore afterwards, for Karazor it was the icing on the cake on a successful evening. He had already given the assist for Undav’s 1-0 win.
The 29-year-old has fought his way out of the slump he was in in late summer and autumn. At the time it seemed as if Chema Andres or Nikolas Nartey could overtake him, but Karazor defied the competition. He plugs holes defensively, wins duels and second balls, is a safe passing point, he guides teammates and, as captain, is also a spokesman. Karazor is currently indispensable.
Conclusion: Good prospects for VfB Stuttgart
“Come spring, come VfB” doesn’t apply this year. Stuttgart has been in top form since the beginning of January. Fourth in the Bundesliga, the playoffs in the Europa League against Celtic Glasgow ahead of us, the semi-finals in the DFB Cup – a strong interim result. At the moment it’s all right in Bad Cannstatt – and the prospects are good. There is currently no sign of a slowdown.
