According to Sky Deutschland, the rivalry between VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund is intensifying, and Waldemar Anton, the centre-back now at Borussia Dortmund, could face renewed hostile whistling at VfB Stuttgart's home stadium.

Stuttgart's coach Sebastian Hoeneß also senses the growing intensity of the competition between the two teams. He said: "Such matches are always heated, but such games are very interesting. They ignite emotions, and if you can win in the end, it feels even better."

For VfB Stuttgart fans, this meeting of two Champions League participants is particularly sensitive. Part of the reason lies in Borussia Dortmund's transfer strategy. In recent years, Borussia Dortmund has signed three key players from VfB Stuttgart: goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, centre-back Waldemar Anton, and striker Serhou Guirassy.

Waldemar Anton has become a controversial figure.

Hoeneß said: "That makes the match hotter for us and the fans." Waldemar Anton could face renewed heavy booing at VfB Stuttgart's home ground, and Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Şahin is aware of this.

Şahin said: "Waldemar Anton has already proven that the fans' booing doesn't affect him at all. But is that normal? I don't think so. I think there should always be a limit."

Borussia Dortmund players are unwelcome in Stuttgart.

The former captain extended his contract with VfB Stuttgart in January 2024 and expressed his affection for the club with customary football phrases. VfB Stuttgart wrote at the time: "Waldemar Anton will continue to wear the red and white shirt." A few months later, Waldemar Anton transferred to Borussia Dortmund. Since then, he has become persona non grata in Stuttgart.

Şahin also said: "We must also not forget what Waldemar Anton did for this club during really difficult times." The increasingly sharp rivalry between Westphalia and Swabia is reflected here: in 2022, Waldemar Anton and VfB Stuttgart avoided relegation only on the final matchday; in 2023, the team secured survival again via the playoff. Now VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund are strong contenders for positions two through four in the league.

VfB Stuttgart is closing the financial gap with Borussia Dortmund.

Financially, VfB Stuttgart has also significantly narrowed the gap with Champions League regulars Borussia Dortmund recently. At the end of July, VfB Stuttgart announced revenues of €383.6 million for the financial year 2024. About a month later, Borussia Dortmund reported revenues of €460.5 million. In the previous year, Borussia Dortmund's revenue was €526 million and Stuttgart's €299.8 million, with the gap between the two considerably larger.

On the sporting level, Hoeneß said: "An important point is that we have genuinely closed the gap in recent years. That's why Borussia Dortmund will certainly perceive us very differently because of our performances." Şahin also agreed: "This is a very evenly matched team, strong on the ball and with many excellent individual players. It's actually a top team in the Bundesliga."

Şahin is not discouraged by VfB Stuttgart's start.

VfB Stuttgart collected only 3 points from matches against Bayern (1:5), Cologne (4:1), and Hoffenheim (1:2), while Borussia Dortmund earned all 9 points. However, this has not changed Şahin's assessment for now. Şahin said: "3 points doesn't sound like much at first glance, but I won't be discouraged by this result. They faced difficult opponents."

Particularly in defence, VfB Stuttgart showed some transition play issues. Hoeneß noted: "The overall tactical organisation is still not good enough. Opponents penetrate our defensive line too easily. We're not protecting the space behind us well enough collectively. This problem must of course be solved."

Hoeneß hopes to maintain his good record against Borussia Dortmund.

In the clash with Borussia Dortmund, whose attack is led by Guirassy and Fábio Silva, Stuttgart's coach hopes to maintain his good record against BVB.

Since Hoeneß took over as Stuttgart coach in April 2023, his team has lost only once in 8 matches against Borussia Dortmund. The sole defeat came in their last meeting, when VfB Stuttgart lost 0:2 in April. This was also Stuttgart's only home defeat of the year. Hoeneß said: "That defeat hurt me deeply; I still remember it."

Übersetzt von KI.

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