Bundesliga: VfB feels strong enough to be rescued again

Bundesliga
VfB feels strong enough to be rescued again

Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios (r) makes the goal to 1:1 against Stuttgart’s goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow (l). photo

© Tom Weller/dpa

The situation at VfB is coming to a head. Sports director Wohlgemuth relies on the experience from the past season before the season finale. The goalkeeper discussion should continue.

Fabian Bredlow was combative. “We are strong enough mentally and as a team to do it,” said the VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper, referring to the escalating situation in the race to stay up in the Bundesliga.

After the 1-1 (0-0) against Bayer Leverkusen, the Swabians are 17th in the table. in the remaining two matchdays. Next Sunday they will play at FSV Mainz 05. It is possible that the gap from one point to relegation rank 16 has already grown again by then. In the worst case from VfB’s point of view, the third relegation since 2016 after the final whistle at Rheinhessen is already sealed.

But Stuttgart wants to “stay clear” and “not get hectic”, as coach Sebastian Hoeneß announced. The team has “felt under pressure for two years,” said sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth. Last season she only saved herself on the last day of the game. So the situation is not new. “Hopefully they can handle it better than the other teams in the basement,” said Wohlgemuth. Of course, the “nervous tension will increase.”

Trembling in and around Stuttgart

Against Leverkusen, Serhou Guirassy’s extremely cool penalty kick from the 57th minute was not enough for the hoped-for victory. On the one hand, because keeper Bredlow caused a penalty with an overly tough effort against Bayer defender Edmond Tapsoba. On the other hand, because Josha Vagnoman immediately missed the huge opportunity to lead again. There were two key scenes. Overall, there were several in which VfB could have acted more cleverly, according to defense chief Waldemar Anton. As so often this season. Which could end badly.

It was “a shitty situation,” admitted Bredlow after Exequiel Palacios had sunk the penalty to equalize (70′). “In the end it certainly wasn’t the right decision, he knows that himself,” commented Coach Hoeneß on his goalkeeper’s unfortunate action.

“In the next case, he’ll hit the right one again,” he added. The discussions about the recently somewhat shaky goalkeeper should continue. Just like the great trembling in and around Stuttgart.

dpa

source site-2