After a memorable European Cup night, the Stuttgart team are heading into the stressful next few weeks feeling inspired. The victory at Juve is one for the history books, says the sports director – and is encouraging.
Sebastian Hoeneß looked a bit tired. But he smiled and gave a thumbs up. Full of satisfaction, the VfB Stuttgart coach boarded the plane heading home. The Swabians bring a lot of momentum with them from Italy. And we want to take this with us into the further English weeks that are now waiting. The dramatic but well-deserved 1-0 (0-0) win at Juventus Turin will “end up in VfB’s history books,” said sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth. After the brilliant night in Piedmont, the Bundesliga continues on Saturday against Holstein Kiel. Out of the Champions League – into the “bread and butter business”, as Wohlgemuth put it.
We have to step up our game against the promoted team, demanded Hoeneß. It was easier to motivate yourself against Juve – “without being disrespectful” – than against Kiel, admitted national striker Deniz Undav. After three winless league games in a row, however, they are under a bit of pressure, said the 28-year-old. The focus is therefore quickly moving to Saturday, he assured. The height of the fall is enormous for VfB after the gala against the Italian record champions. On the other hand, it could also inspire the club and be a kind of initial spark.
Drama with a happy ending
“This is an evening that we will remember for a long time,” said Wohlgemuth after the emotional rollercoaster ride in Turin. People will still remember it in ten or twenty years, he said. Joker El Bilal Touré redeemed the Swabians with his remarkable goal in the second minute of stoppage time and ensured their first victory in the premier class in almost 15 years. Previously, a goal from Undav had been disallowed because he carried the ball lightly with his arm. Enzo Millot also missed a penalty. There was a lot on offer, at times everything seemed to be going against VfB – but in the end Touré sent the fans traveling with him into ecstasy.
The team showed a remarkably strong reaction to the previous 4-0 defeat at FC Bayern Munich, said sports director Wohlgemuth and coach Hoeneß in unison. It was a “brutal performance,” said Undav. The Turin team, who were still unbeaten this season, “were not given any time to breathe”.
Multiple stress has recently been a big issue
The VfB stars can hardly take a breather these days. The multiple burden of three club competitions and, for many professionals, also international matches was a big topic in Stuttgart recently. Wohlgemuth also viewed the coup at Juve as a “very good sign”. The victory gives hope that the German runner-up can “become more and more stable as the season progresses” despite the hardships.
After Kiel, second division 1. FC Kaiserslautern awaits in the cup and champions Bayer Leverkusen in the league. The Stuttgart team is still in constant use and will therefore have to rotate here and there again. It’s just right when substitutes like Touré gain new arguments and fresh self-confidence with goals. It was a “dream goal,” said Wohlgemuth. He was “particularly” happy for the goalscorer that evening.
Second clean sheet game of the season
VfB’s defense also – finally – deserved praise again. Attacker Undav said he had to take his hat off to what the goalkeeper, back four and double six had “tore down”. The Stuttgart team “defended brutally”. After the 5-0 win in the cup at Preußen Münster, it was the second clean sheet game of the season. This should also give the Swabians a boost and energy. For everyday stress. After a memorable night.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
