By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Climbing the fence in front of the fans isn't one of Sebastian Hoeness's favorite actions.
However, following VfB Stuttgart's 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich, there seemed no chance for the 41-year-old to escape, and the Stuttgart coach had to fulfill his promise to climb up "when we have reached something."
In April 2023, Hoeness took over at the struggling club and went through a nerve-wracking relegation playoff against second-tier side Hamburg.
Just a year later, Stuttgart currently sit third in the Bundesliga, having ensured qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, sitting just two points behind second-placed Bayern with two games remaining.
After a 14-year wait, 2006-07 Bundesliga champions Stuttgart are back in the Champions League.
Hoeness implemented a brand of attacking, possession-based style of football, helping his side score 73 goals.
Serhou Guirassy has scored 25 goals in 26 games, with strike partner Deniz Undav making his way into Germany's national team after 18 goals this season.
Winger Chris Fuhrich, defender Waldemar Anton and full-back Maximilian Mittelstadt have also been called up for Germany ahead of UEFA Euro 2024.
In the wake of his success, Hoeness extended his contract while his name was mentioned as possible candidate for the Bayern Munich job.
As the son of former Bayern striker Dieter Hoeness and nephew of Bayern's supervisory board member Uli Hoeness, it seemed natural that he would follow in the footsteps of departing Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.
"I stay because I have the feeling we can get to something big and I feel perfectly happy where I am," Hoeness said.
Up on the fence, Hoeness praised the team, saying they were the heroes and deserved the applause. Undav advised the coach not to be "so modest as the success is to 70 to 80 percent on his shoulders."
While looking ahead to new challenges in the Champions League, for now, Stuttgart are seeking to secure second place in the Bundesliga.
The club might remember the fatal downward trend after their last Champions League participation in 2010, when financial risks and several new arrivals led to a sporting crash coming along with relegation and financial turbulence.
"We remember that, of course. And we know this time we won't do the same," said club chairman Alexander Wehrle.
Former Stuttgart and Bayern coach Felix Magath is convinced Stuttgart can play a significant role in the Champions League. "Currently they are Germany's second-best club team after Bayer Leverkusen," the 70-year-old said.
Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth called the journey "sensational as it was achieved by us. We have a team with a true team spirit. Looking at the euphoria around the club is great, but we will deal with all of that cautiously." ■
