Hoeneß and Karazor demanding "exceptional performance" in Pokal showdown with Bayern

The VfB Stuttgart coach and team captain are happy to play the role of underdogs but know a big performance is needed to deny FC Bayern of a domestic double.

Photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images.

Sebastian Hoeneß is under no illusion that his VfB Stuttgart side will need an “exceptional performance” to retain their DFB-Pokal title against Bayern Munich tomorrow night. 

“That’s what we’re aiming for; we need what you always need against Bayern. We’ve got the best possible match-up against one of the best teams in Europe,” he said at his press conference.

“We've got a taste for it – that’s what Atakan [Karazor] said a year ago, and you could feel it again when we reached the final quite comfortably [this season].

"We've also reached the Champions League and we've weathered some high-pressure situations. By now we can even start to enjoy these [big] games a bit. 

“We can create moments and also endure phases where you just have to hang in there. We have to work hard for the right moments [to be effective],” Hoeneß added. 

After concluding that it will be “special” to face the Bavarian club whom he shares a history with, Hoeneß handed over to captain Atakan Karazor and his aspirations for the game. 

“We want to keep the cup in Stuttgart and we know what we’re up against. Our opponents are Bayern Munich, so you have to go the extra mile. But we don't need to hide. We’re really fired up for tomorrow,” Karazor said.