Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring the first goal during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 9 (Xinhua) -- While VfB Stuttgart fans enjoy the sweet Champions League memories of 2003-04, 2007-08, and 2009-10 seasons, head coach Sebastian Hoeness' recent contract extension triggered euphoria after the courted coach was said to have entered the list of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and several other leading clubs.
Last Friday Stuttgart announced the signature of the 41-year-old nephew of former Bayern president Uli Hoeness until 2027.
Having harvested 53 points out of 25 games makes bold dreams grow around the side of Hoeness. To qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 14 years has become a realistic goal.
Local newspapers and online portals are filled with the club's past three Champions League appearances. Duels against Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United come to life again as well as clashes with former Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
For weeks Hoeness had been the object of speculations. "I have the feeling something special is developing in Stuttgart," the coach said, while adding "when I had the intention to leave next summer I wouldn't have signed a new contract."
After dark years of drought, coming along with relegation and difficult times at the national league's lower tier, happy times seem back for the 2007 German champion.
"I hope the new contract is helping us to stay focused and work with more quietness," the coach added.
Stuttgart defeated Union Berlin 2-0 on Friday and placed third after table leaders Bayer Leverkusen (64) and Bayern Munich (57).
"It felt good right after the start. Just to remind you, we have only done one year together, but want to go on together."
While fans prepare for celebrations as the team has delivered the so far one of the most successful seasons in the club's history, the coach and sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth concentrate on taking the upswing over the finish line.
Next summer break challenges currently seem far away despite the uncertain future of star striker Serhou Guirassy. The 27-year-old not only owns an exit clause worth 20 million euros but triggered the interest of leading sides after having scored 20 goals in 19 games.
While the VfB managed to extend contracts with courted winger Chris Fuhrich and Waldemar Anton, the battle for Guirassy is ongoing. Fuhrich and Anton developed into serious candidates for the German national team.
"If there is any chance to make Guirassy stay, the club must go for it," Hoeness said.
"Everyone is aware of what we have achieved, let's see where we end up. But you feel everyone's determination to add a happy end," Hoeness stated. ■
Manchester United's manager Erik ten Hag (R) shakes hands with Everton's manager Sean Dyche after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
Everton's manager Sean Dyche reacts during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
Everton's Amadou Onana (L) is challenged by Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho (L) shoots during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
Everton's Amadou Onana shoots during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
Everton's James Garner (L) challenges Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton in Manchester, Britain, on March 9, 2024. (Xinhua)
