Football: Bundesliga relegation: It is particularly important to them

Before the two games in the Bundesliga relegation, the highest hopes are in the first division 16. VfB Stuttgart and Hamburger SV, third in the second division, only a few players.

In the first leg (8.45 p.m./Sat.1 and Sky) in Stuttgart, VfB fans are paying particular attention to striker Serhou Guirassy and captain Wataru Endo. Another hope is in coach Sebastian Hoeneß on the bench. The pillars at HSV are the captain and defensive stabilizer Sebastian Schonlau, goalscorer Robert Glatzel and the reinvigorated Sonny Kittel.

The three key figures of VfB Stuttgart and Hamburger SV.

VfB Stuttgart

Serhou Guirassy: Stuttgart experienced how important the attacker is between February and March when Guirassy was unable to play due to an adductor injury. The Swabians only won one game during this period and only scored more than one goal in that 3-0 win against Cologne. Since his return, the 27-year-old has contributed five goals. Without Guirassy, ​​things would be even worse for VfB. There is no adequate alternative in the squad. No wonder the Stuttgart team signed the striker one day before the relegation first leg until 2026.

Wataru Endo: You can rely on the Japanese captain. On the defensive, he wins important duels and ensures order, on the offensive he was more successful with five goals than he has been since 2014. In pre-season, VfB saved themselves in the fourth minute of stoppage time thanks to an Endo goal, and the mostly silent leader revived hopes in the final stages of this season. Overplayed like in the previous season, he no longer works.

Sebastian Hoeneß: Although VfB Stuttgart fell back to relegation place 16 on the last Bundesliga matchday, coach Sebastian Hoeneß is one of the protagonists of the upswing. He succeeded the hapless Bruno Labbadia in April, losing just one league game. The tactical changes, his address and his approachable nature ensure optimism among the supporters. And not only with them. “I have confidence in Sebastian,” said VfB sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth.

Hamburger SV

Sebastian Schonlau: What value the captain has for HSV becomes apparent when he is absent. In the first half of the season he saw the red card in the city derby at FC St. Pauli when the score was 0-0. After that, HSV conceded three more goals. In the four games of the season in which Schonlau was suspended or injured, eleven goals were conceded. The 28-year-old is the defense organizer and stabilizer. His teammates orientate themselves on him – on and off the field. Schonlau is also one of the most important contacts in the team for coach Tim Walter.

Robert Glatzel: He had to leave the title of top scorer in the 2nd Bundesliga to Heidenheim’s Tim Kleindienst (25 goals). But Glatzel’s value is not only defined by his 19 goals. The 29-year-old can now not only be found in the penalty area. He works more backwards, creates space for his teammates. In the last eight second division games alone, he collected six of his seven season assists. Whether HSV Glatzel can hold on if the club misses promotion is an open question. The forward has attracted interest after his strong season. He is considered one of the leaders in the team.

Sonny Kittel: He has never been as valuable for HSV as he is today. The talented midfielder has already been twice as good as away from Hamburg this season. But the move to the USA and Saudi Arabia fell through. The lucrative engagement with the sheikhs in winter failed because of the club’s veto. The sensitive coat had to deal with that. But the 30-year-old fought back. Since the end of March he has excelled as a goalscorer (5 goals) and assist (2 assists). In the four years in Hamburg he was often criticized for hiding in critical phases of the season. There is currently no sign of this anymore. Suddenly staying in Hamburg is conceivable again. The rise would be a good argument for the contract extension.