VfB Stuttgart - Hoeneß: Champions League question as "absolute confirmation"
Even after a good third of the season in the Bundesliga, coach Sebastian Hoeneß of third-placed VfB Stuttgart does not want to adjust his targets. In view of narrowly avoiding relegation in each of the past two seasons, the club would be "well advised not to be too brash", warned the 41-year-old ahead of the 13th matchday: "I think that's how we got to where we are now." He sees the fact that people are asking about qualification for the Champions League or Europa League as "absolute confirmation that things are going in the right direction".
Ahead of the home game against Werder Bremen on Saturday (18:30/Sky), the Swabians are only behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and record champions FC Bayern Munich on 27 points. A difficult DFB Cup tie against Borussia Dortmund and games against Leverkusen, Munich and Augsburg in the Bundesliga follow before the winter break.
"We want a carefree season - we're not there yet," said Hoeneß. "As soon as I have the feeling that we have achieved a goal that we have set ourselves, we can talk about further goals. I also know that it's important to show new perspectives in order to possibly get one percentage point more. But I don't have that feeling yet."
The premier class is not being discussed within the team either. "I think the lads have a good feel for the situation. I think there are players who have experienced other times and know that it would be out of place to rush ahead too soon."
Bundesliga table VfB Stuttgart squad VfB schedule
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- With VfB Stuttgart currently sitting third in the Bundesliga table, the Champions League is becoming a realistic prospect for the Swabian team.
- Sebastian Hoeneß, the coach of VfB Stuttgart, sees qualification for the Champions League or Europa League as "absolute confirmation" that the team is heading in the right direction.
- Despite being third in the Bundesliga, Hoeneß cautions against being too ambitious and reminds the team of their recent struggles in the league.
- The Champions League is not a topic of discussion within the VfB Stuttgart squad, with players understood to have a good grasp of their situation and the importance of not rushing ahead too soon.
- Following their good start to the season, VfB Stuttgart have matches against Bayer Leverkusen, FC Bayern Munich, and Augsburg before the winter break, which will test their ambitions.
- Located in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany, VfB Stuttgart's performances in the Bundesliga are closely watched by soccer fans in Swabia and across Europe.
- With Sebastian Hoeneß at the helm, VfB Stuttgart aspire to have a "carefree season" and make a strong push towards competing in Europe's premier soccer leagues such as the Champions League or Europa League.
Source: www.stern.de
