Stuttgart head coach declares defender Luca Jaquez surprise winner of starting role | OneFootball

VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß has confirmed Swiss central defender Luca Jaquez will start in his team’s Bundesliga opener against Union Berlin this weekend. The 22-year-old surprisingly beat out several other higher-valued competitors to earn his starting slot during Stuttgart’s training camp. Despite a shaky performance against Bayern Munich in the DFL Supercup, Jaquez will retain his place.

“He made a mistake, but also had several positive actions,” Hoeneß remarked at a Thursday press conference. “We worked with him specifically on [his involvement] in [Bayern’s] second goal.

“It’s obvious that being present and performing when the games take place counts above all else,” Hoeneß continued. “That applies to everyone including Luca, but Luca will start against Union.“

Jaquez (valued at €6m) unexpectedly surpassed competitors such as Finn Jeltsch (valued at €20m) and Ameen Al-Dakhil (valued at €7.5m) to earn his starting place alongside central defensive colleague Jeff Chabot. Another high value Stuttgart player (Lorenz Assignon, €9m) will not feature in Stuttgart’s Bundesliga opener due to suspension.

Assignon – a record signing for the Swabians this summer – has been struggling with various issues throughout camp and may have permanently lost his presumed starting place to German right-back Josha Vagnoman. Hoeneß also praised the recent work of new VfB summer signings Chema Andres and Tiago Tomas at the press conference.

Both Andres and Tomas may feature in the Stuttgart starting XI soon, though this weekend is likely too early. Hoeneß did confirm that – after having to sit out the Supercup injured – keeper Alexander Nübel will be ready in time to start in the league opener at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Köpenick.

GGFN | Peter Weis