Last weekend's defeat at Hoffenheim "is a setback. We were very disappointed," said Peter Bosz, "but in the first half as well as the weeks before we did a lot right. That gives us confidence." And only one thing counts for the knockout game in the cup against Stuttgart: "We have to win! This competition is very important to us."
At the Round of 16 stage last year, it did not go to plan for the Werkself against another second division team as the tie ended in a 2-1 defeat away to FC Heidenheim. However, the Dutchman does not attach any importance to that: "For me it's not a case of déjà vu. We will do all we can to win the game. We tried that last year. But now that's forgotten. It's a new season."And this time with a different opponent.
"VfB are currently competing at the top of the second division. They try to dominate, have lots of possession and they also have players in the squad with Bundesliga experience. We have the required respect and we will probably have to work hard to get a good result but we are at home," said Bosz in identifying an advantage for his side. The head coach disregards the argument that VfB Stuttgart are a favourite opponent for Bayer 04 – in the last 21 games against the team from Swabia, the Werkself have only failed to score once in a 1-0 defeat in April 2018 and have scored an average of 2.3 goals per game against VfB: "The numbers are all well and good but I don't believe in statistics. I believe more in our style of play." And, of course, the attitude has to be right: "Our aim is to win every game. Therefore, I prepare my team before cup games the same way as before any other game according to the motto, 'We have to be fearless if we want to win.'"
Peter Bosz will have to manage without Julian Baumgartlinger tomorrow night after he was kicked on the knee in Sinsheim on Sunday. Charles Aránguiz continues to be ruled out. "It's too soon for him. We can't say how long it'll take before he returns but it's getting better day by day. But, up to now, he hasn't trained with the team again," said Bosz. One option is new signing Exequiel Palacios. According to the head coach, the 21-year-old is already "up to speed. He's made a good impression from the start and very quickly fitted in really well." New players generally need time to settle in – "how long is difficult to say as it depends on each player. Edmond Tapsoba also took part in full training for the first time yesterday. I don't know if he's remembered everybody's name."
Match information:
Referee: Bibiana Steinhaus
TV broadcaster: Sky
Attendance: 20,000, ticket offices will be open before the game
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