First Team

"Excited to play at home"

VfL Wolfsburg head coach Bruno Labbadia is in confident mood ahead of facing SC Freiburg.

After last weekend's 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin, VfL Wolfsburg are back at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday for the Matchday 4 fixture with Freiburg (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). At the pre-match press conference, Labbadia discussed ...

... the upcoming opponents: "We shouldn't make the mistake of just looking at the table and current points tally. We watched them during the international break and have seen all three of their games now, and it's clear they could've won all three. Freiburg always rely on young, talented players who work brilliantly as a collective."

... the second home game in a week: "We're excited to play at home. So far this season it's been really enjoyable to take to the field at the Volkswagen Arena, the atmosphere has been good. It gives us a good feeling when the fans support us in this way."

... the supposed tag of favourites: "After the first few games, we have to expect that we'll be made favourites. That won't change anything about our performance, though. In any case, I'd rather be the favourites than be the side chasing the game and looking at what the opposition's doing. But especially against a team like Freiburg, who get in your face, stay tight as a unit and can also play football, we know we'll have to work hard."

... the personnel situation: "The only doubt is Josip Brekalo. He had a stomach upset and couldn't train yesterday, and he only did some light work on the bike today. We're deliberately keeping him away from the rest of the squad and we'll have to wait and see whether he's fit for Saturday."