After the thrashing in Belgrade, VfB doesn’t have much time to recover. Today, Werder Bremen presents the next tough challenge – and an opportunity for redemption.
I think many VfB fans are still quite disappointed, angry, or even shocked by VfB Stuttgart’s performance against Red Star Belgrade. There might even be a fan or two questioning not just VfB Stuttgart’s competitiveness in the Champions League but also in the Bundesliga. Before the season, it felt like everyone was worried about the triple burden, or even a quadruple burden if you count international matches. However, I think concerns that this could cost us our place in the Bundesliga are exaggerated. First, the last time we were relegated, it was after finishing seventh in a season where only Frankfurt’s cup win denied us a spot in European competition. We were relegated regardless, even without the triple burden. Secondly, what we’ve seen so far doesn’t really qualify as a triple burden – in cup matches (and this won’t change against Jahn Regensburg), it’s mostly been second-string players, while the regulars have been rested. Thirdly, by the final third of the season, we will likely have been eliminated from the Champions League or the cup, so there’s no need to worry. What should concern us, however, is the current injury crisis. It’s not just injuries now but also a minor flu outbreak. Sure, this was somewhat foreseeable, but for four offensive players to get injured at once? Anyone who predicted that would win my “Pessimism Cup” for exceptional gloom. Of course, as in the Bochum game, this must be seen as an opportunity for second-string players. Rieder and Diehl took advantage of this, with the latter even scoring his first Bundesliga goal (and, naturally, he’s out against Bremen). Despite the injury crisis, we can field a fairly competitive team in Bremen that doesn’t need to hide from Werder.
The game against Bremen could indeed be a litmus test and might be psychologically crucial. The Bundesliga midtable is incredibly tight. Just to illustrate: we’re currently in 9th place, while Bremen is in 12th. If we win, we could potentially climb to 5th and be just one point shy of a Champions League spot. A loss, however, would drop us to 12th, leaving us just five points above 16th place. Combined with the loss in Belgrade, this could give some journalists ammunition for a PANIC! article. Bremen, in footballing terms, is a midtable team: too good to be relegated, too weak to challenge at the top. This isn’t meant as criticism; after all, Bremen has been relegated and promoted again in recent years. To come back and stabilize in midtable deserves the utmost respect. A defeat wouldn’t be catastrophic, even in the worst-case scenario described above. Still, a win would be important for team morale and for redemption.
Personnel
Not much has changed since the Belgrade match. Al-Dakhil is still ill and may have infected Justin Diehl, who is also unavailable for the Bremen game. Millot needs to stay disciplined in Bremen, as our silver medalist now has four yellow cards.
Possible Lineup
This is admittedly more wishful thinking than a prediction. I just hope the experiment with Vagnoman as an attacking right winger is over, and Millot is allowed to play as an advanced playmaker on the flank. I could also imagine him as a shadow striker behind Demirović, which would mean Woltemade starting on the bench and Rieder taking the right flank.
Statistics
Ahead of the 111th Bundesliga encounter between these teams, the record is fairly balanced. VfB could secure its 40th win, while Bremen has won 37 times, with 34 draws. Historically, VfB has struggled away, winning only 13 times at the Weser-Stadion. In the last 10 visits, we’ve only won once (2020); otherwise, Bremen has been dominant. Perhaps most unforgettable is the 6–2 defeat in 2016, which all but sealed VfB’s second relegation. Even last year, during a winning streak, we lost 2–1 in Bremen. Ole Werner emphasizes possession-based football. While their possession and passing stats aren’t as strong as VfB’s, they’re still above average. Like VfB, they’re also among the less hard-running teams.
Conclusion
The game against Bremen is psychologically important – critical for processing the defeat in Belgrade and for potentially climbing to a higher league position. Football-wise, it will be tough. Bremen hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for VfB, and the numerous absences could hurt us. I think we’re in for an exciting 2–2 draw.
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