No specific goals for the season

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VfB Stuttgart wants to continue rebuilding its squad and recruit another defender after the departure of head of defence and European Championship participant Waldemar Anton (28). « The search is still in full swing for an absolute quality player. There is no doubt that we are looking for and need something, » said coach Sebastian Hoeneß ahead of Saturday’s Super Cup duel (8:30 p.m./Sat.1 and Sky) with double winners Bayer Leverkusen.

Undav, Anton & Co.
All arrivals and departures of VfB Stuttgart
Towards an overview

Hoeneß was referring to the question of another new central defender. After VfB had already signed Jeff Chabot (26) and Ramon Hendriks (23), the coach did not want to elaborate further on the qualities sought. The list of candidates in the rumours is long and includes names like Loïc Badé (24), Sepp van den Berg (22) and Armel Bella-Kotchap (22), who is said to have failed the medical examination at TSG Hoffenheim.

But there should also be more players. Forwards Luca Pfeiffer (27) and Mohamed Sankoh (20) are on the list of forwards. The former is associated with Karlsruher SC, the latter has already been released for negotiations with other clubs.

rumor
	L.Pfeiffer
	Center forward
VfB Stuttgart 60% Karlsruhe SC Bundesliga 2nd Bundesliga

« We are not finished yet, we are not final yet, » Hoeneß stressed and urged patience: « That is why it will take a little time. We have already let go of a lot of players and signed a lot of new ones. » Basically, the VfB coach feels well prepared for the coming season despite the departures of top players Anton, Serhou Guirassy (28) and Hiroki Ito (25). The transfer income of almost 66 million euros was completely reinvested and the transfer record was broken twice for Ermedin Demirovic (26) and Deniz Undav (28).

Nevertheless, after the preparation, he does not know 100 percent where the team stands, and the coming season, with the multiple responsibilities and the Champions League, will « of course be a challenge, » said Hoeneß. After two near-relegations, VfB Stuttgart had an exceptional season and finally pushed FC Bayern out of second place in the Bundesliga.

VfB Stuttgart « facing a particularly extraordinary season »

The euphoria surrounding VfB is immense. This was also demonstrated by the hype during public training sessions and the hype surrounding the fate of national striker Undav. « I also told the team that we are facing a particularly extraordinary season, » said Hoeneß. You have to find the right balance and focus on the essentials, he stressed. Hoeneß did not speak of specific goals. He wants to once again develop a team that advocates courageous (Site notre bureau spécialisé).

The VfB coach believes his team is well prepared for the Supercup, even if the Bundesliga opener a week later has a higher value. But the clash with Leverkusen offers the Swabians the chance to win their first trophy since the championship 17 years ago. « Now we are playing for a title. That’s cool, » said Hoeneß. The Stuttgart team has won the Supercup once in 1992.