News Focus
- Sebastian Hoeneß questions Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to omit two key Stuttgart players from the latest Germany squad
- The VfB Stuttgart coach insists Maximilian Mittelstädt and Chris Führich have used the disappointment as motivation ahead of the DFB-Pokal final
- Hoeneß refuses to speculate on the future of on-loan goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who is owned by Bayern Munich
- Stuttgart prepare to face Bayern Munich in the German Cup final this weekend
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß has admitted he cannot understand why Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann decided to leave out defenders Maximilian Mittelstädt and Chris Führich from the recent national team selection.
Speaking at a press conference before his side’s DFB-Pokal final clash against Bayern Munich, Hoeneß defended the quality of his players. He explained that both men have refused to let their omission affect their form in training. Instead, the coach revealed, the news has only spurred them on to perform better in the upcoming cup tie.
“We must accept the national coach’s decisions,” Hoeneß stated. “Still, I watch these players every day on the training pitch. I know exactly what they can offer. They did not allow this setback to disturb them. In fact, they appear more driven than ever for tomorrow’s match.”
The Stuttgart boss also fielded questions regarding goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. The shot-stopper is currently on loan from Bayern Munich, and his long-term future at the club remains uncertain. Despite this, Hoeneß insisted that the 27-year-old remains fully focused on the final.
“I have no concerns about Alex. He has been a central figure in our success this season. He will approach this final with the same commitment as every other member of our squad,” Hoeneß added.
Stuttgart will face their parent club Bayern Munich in Saturday’s final, hoping to lift the trophy and cap off a successful campaign.