“It’s a special game for me,” said Julian Schuster. That’s putting it lightly - not only is it the 39-year-old’s first Bundesliga match as head coach; it’s also his first game as SCF boss in front of a sold-out crowd at the Europa-Park-Stadion. For Schuster, it’s the perfect storm: “I’m very, very excited for the Bundesliga to get started. I’m feeling good. It’s my first game in a new role against my old side, the club I used to call home.” Incidentally, the first match of the season is special for everyone at SC, as it’s the Baden-Wüttermberg derby. “It goes without saying that derbies are always special occasions,” emphasised Schuster, who is fully aware of the opposition’s quality. Stuttgart were not in DFB-Pokal action last weekend. Instead, they faced off against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Supercup and showed why they’re still a force to be reckoned with this season. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side turned an early deficit around against the reigning Bundesliga champions and led in the closing stages. A late equaliser sent the game to penalties, however, where B04 came out on top against last season’s runners-up.

Based off Stuttgart’s performance, Schuster stressed that his team will need to bring their A-game on Saturday: “I had hoped that we wouldn’t face this stern of a test on the first matchday. The level in the Supercup was extremely high. VfB proved that last season was no fluke. We’re looking forward to measuring up to them. We’re more than happy to take on this challenge.”

How exactly are SC planning to overcome VfB? The coaching team have some ideas: “We’ve got to strike a good balance. We need to keep our emotions in check, but also tap into them and give the fans a boost in the process.” Just like before the start of each season, all the players on both sides have a blank slate going into the game. As a result, SCF’s first starting XI of the season is still up in the air, which is also down to the fact that all the Freiburg players are fit and raring to go save from Manuel Gulde and Daniel Kofi Kyereh. “The team are looking good, the training pitch is full,” said Schuster excitedly, who only revealed one detail about Saturday’s team. “Noah needs a bit more time, so Flo Müller will start in net.” 

Photo: Achim Keller