Sebastian Hoeneß backs Deniz Undav to "decide games again" after Stuttgart win | OneFootball

Sebastian Hoeneß insists he has “no doubt” that Deniz Undav will soon start adding the goals again after the forward played a starring role in Wednesday's Champions League win against Viking.

Undav didn't find the net himself, but played a key role as Ermedin Demirovic's hat-trick handed VfB a 3-1 win. 

Speaking to DAZN, Hoeneß praised the 30-year-old's contribution, stressing that his performances should not be judged by whether or not he is on the scoresheet. 

“Deniz doesn't need any help,” said the Stuttgart boss. 

"I saw it the same way as I did in Rostock three games ago, when I think he also had two goal involvements. 

“Today he had two and probably could even have had four or five. He brought his teammates into play very, very well.”

Undav did have moments of his own, with the German international striking the post in the dying seconds, but Hoeneß remains unconcerned about the lack of goals. 

"At the moment it's just not quite working for him in terms of scoring himself. I think he had two really good chances today as well, but that will come. I have absolutely no doubt about that.

“Deniz will score again, and he will once again be the player who decides games for us.”

Hoeneß was pleased to open the European campaign with three points, but he did outline that his side's performance was far from flawless. 

“We don't need to be ashamed of winning a Champions League game,” he said. 

“I think the win was deserved. We wanted to win, we wanted to start the Champions League well, and we did that.”

However, the 44-year-old was far from satisfied with the defence between attack and defence.

“We played very offensively and had a very attacking team on the pitch,” he explained. "I wasn't always happy with our reactions after losing the ball. 

"We have to take responsibility for the defensive transitions and our pressing. We need better structures there, and that's something we definitely have to show in Hoffenheim.

“They will exploit those situations even better than today's opponents.”

Looking to build on Friday's 4-1 win against Köln, Stuttgart make the short trip across Baden-Württemberg to face Hoffenheim, who are winless in the league thus far.