Stuttgart (dpa) – The fans continued to sing long after the final whistle and Sven Mislintat got goose bumps during his analysis. “That was just great,” said the sports director of VfB Stuttgart in front of the crowd, which had driven the Swabians to the important 3: 2 (1: 2) against FC Augsburg.
Thanks to the next successful race to catch up, the comeback kings from Bad Cannstatt have left the relegation zone of the Bundesliga for the first time since the 18th matchday. How they turned the basement duel with FCA with their late goals, how they were whipped forward by the 55,785 spectators in the arena, who were allowed a special permit, and how coach Pellegrino Matarazzo disappeared in the jubilation cluster of his players after the winning goal: all that was on Saturday symbolic for the new strength of this Stuttgarter.
“Team with an excellent attitude”
Not long ago, in crisis situations like the one just a few weeks ago, VfB would have split up in a number of areas and possibly kicked out their coach. But this time the Swabians kept calm – and are currently being rewarded for it. They have now picked up seven points from the past three games – each time from behind. They moved up to 14th place in the table. Just like FC Augsburg right behind them and Hertha BSC on the relegation rank, they have 26 points and are far from reaching the saving bank. The belief in staying in the league seems greater than ever at VfB, which has been so demoralized in the meantime.
What speaks for Stuttgart in the end of the season, Mislintat was asked after the second home win in a row. “I think I’ve already gone through the toughest crisis,” he said, looking back on the nine winless games in a row that VfB had until March. And: “The cohesion at all levels. Clearly to have stood behind the coach and to continue to stand.” In addition, a “team with excellent work and attitude.” Midfielder Atakan Karazor once again showed that she is “mentally strong”.
The fans also came against Augsburg. They could be a “huge pound,” Mislintat said. And they would have proved that. The second deficit just before the break would have been a “slap in the neck”, but would have triggered a “now more than ever” effect in both the players and the supporters. “At no point did I believe that we would lose the game,” said the 49-year-old. And was confirmed thanks to the high morale of his team.
Farewell to CEO Hitzlsperger
André Hahn (6th minute) and Michael Gregoritsch (45th + 1) had brought Augsburg, who were extremely efficient before the break but then far too passive, twice into the lead. The Stuttgart hit back three times after standard situations. First Waldemar Anton (44′) headed in a free-kick cross from Borna Sosa, then Omar Marmoush (79′) converted a stationary ball directly into the left corner, which is worth seeing. And finally Tiago Tomás (85th) hammered the ball under the crossbar to make it 3:2 after a free kick that was thought to have already been cleared. “It was very emotional,” said VfB coach Matarazzo.
The afternoon in Stuttgart had already started emotionally. Before kick-off, the outgoing CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger was said goodbye. He “really enjoyed working with the ex-national player,” said Mislintat. “He will remain a friend for life.” But he is also looking forward to his successor Alexander Wehrle, who joins VfB on Monday. According to Mislintat, this is a “top man”. And the best replacement you could have gotten for Hitzlsperger.
“He’ll take over Thomas’s departments first. That means the sports director is there,” said Mislintat about the distribution of roles under Wehrle. It is “completely unimportant” for the 49-year-old whether he will eventually take over the post of sports director or keep that of director. Mislintat only wants to preserve the spirit that the Stuttgarters have created for themselves. He is currently their greatest strength.