Sebastian Hoeneß Recalls Pivotal 2023 Relegation Matches Against Hamburg Ahead of Weekend Bundesliga Encounter

VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß reminisced about crucial relegation matches from 2023 during his pre-match press conference leading up to the upcoming Bundesliga game against Hamburg. Following a disappointing defeat against rivals Borussia Dortmund last week, Hoeneß's team aims to rebound.

The upcoming fixture presents a significant challenge. Hamburg secured a 2-1 victory in their previous encounter this season. Hamburger SV, currently on 31 points, are nearing the commonly recognized safety mark of 35 points for Bundesliga survival.

Despite being considered underdogs and missing key defender Luka Vušković, Hoeneß looked back to a memorable confrontation with HSV. A defining moment in Hoeneß's coaching career occurred nearly three years prior.

Stuttgart and Hamburg's "Destiny Match"

Sebastian Hoeneß took the reins at Stuttgart in the spring of 2023. The team had already seen two managers, Pellegrino Matarazzo and Bruno Labbadia, during a particularly difficult 2022/23 Bundesliga season. The previous year, Matarazzo had narrowly steered Stuttgart away from the promotion-relegation playoffs.

Hoeneß was unable to prevent the playoffs at the end of his inaugural season with the club. Stuttgart's opponents in the playoff were none other than Hamburg, who themselves had lost their two-legged playoff tie against Hertha BSC the year before. HSV were intensely focused on returning to the Bundesliga after their first-ever relegation in the 2017/18 season.

Hoeneß's squad hosted the first leg of the playoffs, making a powerful statement by scoring within the first minute of the match. Konstantinos Mavropanos's opening goal put pressure on the visitors, and the Swabians went on to secure a decisive 3-0 victory in the first leg. Hamburg was ultimately defeated 6-1 on aggregate.

Hoeneß then guided Stuttgart to a second-place finish and a historic Champions League qualification in the subsequent 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign. Hamburg, meanwhile, had to wait two more years for their promotion back to the Bundesliga. Consequently, HSV's victory over Stuttgart earlier this year was particularly satisfying for the club from the Hanseatic city.

Hoeneß Speaks on Hamburg Memories

"Of course, we haven't forgotten about it," Hoeneß stated regarding the surprising loss earlier this season. "But it's not as if we have an overwhelming desire for revenge; that would be an exaggeration. We still remember it as a difficult outcome because it was a match we were confident of winning or drawing."

"That's a pleasant memory because we ultimately achieved our goal," Hoeneß replied when asked about the 2022/23 promotion-relegation playoff. "The way we accomplished it was quite impressive and very important for us. We faced the pressure together and deserved it wholeheartedly."

"That home game was fantastic," Hoeneß continued. "I'll never forget when Dinos Mavropanos scored that opening header. The stadium erupted. It was incredible. That was a crucial early breakthrough in that game."

"We performed well in Hamburg too," Hoeneß concluded. "That ultimately laid the foundation for what we achieved [in the 2023/24 season]."