FIRST TEAM
03/13/2021

Anton: "We'll go into the game with confidence"

VfB Stuttgart have been one of the Bundesliga's surprise packages this season. The promoted side sit in ninth place after 24 matches. Prior to facing TSG Hoffenheim (Sunday at 18:00 CET), Stuttgart's central defender Waldemar Anton spoke about Sunday's game, the reverse fixture and VfB's aims this season.

Waldemar, you're at home to TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday. What kind of game are you expecting and what will it come down to?

"TSG Hoffenheim have a really good team; they have demonstrated that on both the national and international stage. Mostly recently against VfL Wolfsburg, who are not doing badly at all at the moment. So it's going to require a really good performance from us. But I'm confident that we'll be able to produce one. We'll go into the match with confidence and we'll want to impose our game."

The reverse fixture ended 3-3 after a dramatic turn of events. What are your memories of that match?

"A turbulent game that was definitely entertaining for the spectators on television. And there was a late equaliser from us in stoppage time. It certainly was very emotional. It was a shame that no fans were allowed into the stadium to see it."

You came to Stuttgart from Hannover before this season and have since been a permanent fixture in central defence. How satisfied are you with your development?

"I don't want to speak just about myself here. I think that we've developed very well as a team. In particular, all the young players in our team have been doing really well. And our coach, who is simply fantastic on a technical and personal level, has had a large part to play in it too."

You're currently only two points away from seventh place, which might be enough for you to qualify for a European competition. Are such thoughts on your mind?

"Not in the slightest. I know that it sounds totally boring, but we're really only concentrating on what's next. Thinking at this stage about what could happen in the summer only uses up unnecessary energy. We're trying to give our best in every game – and then we'll see where that gets us in the end."

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