Hoeneß praises VfB star El Khannouss after world‑class goal against Cologne

Alex Grimm/GettyImages After VfB Stuttgart suffered a 1-5 defeat to FC Bayern Munich at the start of the season, the pressure before the match against 1. FC Köln was high. World‑class Hoeneß handed out special praise, but the Swabians dominated the first half.

First half ran almost like a single pour"

According to Hoeneß, the first spell of the half was „almost like a single pour"“, because the Swabians dictated the game at will and gave the Rhinelanders hardly any chances.

El Khannouss' solo goal delights Hoeneß

VfB star Bilal El Khannouss displayed a solo in the 39th minute, which he finished with a precise shot into the net. Hoeneß called the goal „world‑class“ and praised the 22‑year‑old for his ingenuity.

Shortly after the break, in the 60th minute, Grischa Prömel extended the lead, while the Effzeh, after the substitution of Mikey Moore, created several chances that were nevertheless saved by substitute goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.

Hoeneß gives special praise in Sky interview

In the interview with Sky, Hoeneß explained: „It was already very important that we made it 2‑0. The goal is world‑class. That is already strong, not many achieve that.“ He also criticised the period in which the team almost handed the game away for ten minutes.

The coach complained that the team stood too far away in the second half and suffered easy ball losses, which led to counter‑attacks by the Rhinelanders.

Cologne presses, Stuttgart holds firm

Despite the pressure from the Cologne side, the VfB team remained focused until the end and defended the result, with the players controlling the tempo in the final minutes.