Between the end of 2010 and mid-2013, Bruno Labbadia was the coach of VfB Stuttgart for a good 2.5 years. Now the 56-year-old is back in the country and should save the Swabians from relegation. Labbadia was officially presented on Monday.
“I’m sitting here because the club isn’t doing well. It’s not the easiest task. But I need a certain thrill and a challenge,” said Labbadia to the press representatives present.
He can indeed get thrills at VfB. After a weak first series, Stuttgart are in relegation place 16. After 15 match days, the points account only shows 14 points. After all: Hertha is tied in front, FC Augsburg in 14th place is only one point away.
“We have to get into the players’ minds, tease out their motivation and give the boys a bit more self-confidence,” Labbadia continued. “Roll up your sleeves and develop a passion for football” is the motto now.
The commitment of the ex-coach was not particularly well received by the supporters. Surprisingly, Labbadia got a very long-term contract until the summer of 2025. After a successful relegation battle, he should, at best, lead VfB further up. Labbadia explained that he had told his new players “that there is no need to fight relegation. But if you can do it, you take a lot with you, then you can take a step forward with the club. But this path will be very rocky”.
Does this calculation add up? After all, VfB only managed to stay in the Bundesliga at the last second in the pre-season. One season later, progress was sought in vain.
Alexander Wehrle outlined how important it is for the club to remain in the upper house. The situation is “not comparable to 2019”. The CEO made it clear: “In between there are one and a half Corona years with a loss of 90 million euros. There is also a stadium investment of 130 million. And a relegation would mean a loss of 40 million in sales. The situation is serious.”
In addition to Labbadia as the new coach, VfB also hired a Mislintat successor as sporting director. Fabian Wohlgemuth was optimistic about the second half of the season: “If we put the pieces of the puzzle together correctly, I’m sure we’ll do the job positively,” said the 43-year-old, who came from SC Paderborn. However, one should not “ignore” the facts, Wohlgemuth continued. “We’re 16th and haven’t won an away game for almost a year.” Under Labbadia, that should change again in 2023.
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as a restart at VfB Stuttgart: Wehrle warns – Labbadia needs “a certain thrill”.
