Christian Gentner has played 430 Bundesliga games in his long professional career, more than any other currently active outfield player in the German football league. He made 273 appearances in the Bundesliga alone for VfB Stuttgart, for whom he became a real club legend in the years 2004 to 2007 and 2010 to 2019. Now “Gente” is back in the country.
After the five-time German national player ended his active career with FC Luzern in Switzerland, he was drawn back to VfB Stuttgart immediately after his last game in November 2022.
As the new licensed player manager, the 37-year-old will act as a link between the professional team and those responsible for the new managing director Alexander Wehrle and sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth.
Gentner started his new job in his old home country at the beginning of the year with great anticipation and also traveled directly to the winter training camp in Marbella.
“I’ve spent a huge part of my life here. To start it again in a new role is definitely something special and something I’m looking forward to. The first few days feel very, very good,” said the former midfielder in Interview on the VfB homepage.
According to his own statement, the first week of work went very positively. Gentner reported on his first impressions with his new colleagues and superiors: “Fabian Wohlgemuth is actually already involved in many things. I am very grateful how things are going with the cooperation so far .”
Gentner on Labbadia: “It’s very well received”
Gentner, who sensationally became German champion with VfB Stuttgart in 2007 as a club-born child, was extremely grateful to be able to work for his heart club again: “It’s something I really appreciate as a start after my active career that this opportunity arises for me.”
Bruno Labbadia, who has returned as head coach for the Swabians, considers the native of Nürtingen to be the ideal person in the relegation battle: “He completely exemplifies this, this ambition and this will. It gives me the impression that it is very well received and very well received. Working with Bruno is definitely a great added value for me.”
On 21 January, VfB Stuttgart will start the new calendar year in the Bundesliga with a home game against 1. FSV Maint 05.