Hansi Müller: VfB Stuttgart Can Still Qualify for the Champions League
Former German international Hansi Müller believes VfB Stuttgart can still qualify for the Champions League despite their recent dip in form.
"The table is so tight that the Champions League is still possible," the 1980 European Champion and former VfB playmaker told the German Press Agency.
"As a club, I would still have the full ambition to play in the Champions League again next season," Müller said. Sitting seventh in the Bundesliga, Stuttgart are only two points behind fourth-place RB Leipzig. However, even a place in the Europa League would "certainly not be a disappointment," Müller added.
The 67-year-old attributes VfB’s current inconsistent performances, which have seen them win just two of their last six competitive games, to the congested schedule up until their Champions League exit in late January. Additionally, VfB are in the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and have several players regularly called up for international duty.
"It’s not just a physical thing, but also a mental one. To press the reset button after every game and say: ‘Now we start again from zero,’ that’s not easy," Müller explained. "If it doesn’t work for just a few players, it becomes difficult." In contrast, players at Bayern Munich and champions Bayer Leverkusen are used to such an intense schedule, he said.
Müller also believes that VfB have "lost some quality" with the departures of Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton, and Hiroki Ito last summer. However, he is confident that the team will rediscover their form in the spring when the schedule eases up. "The team needs more freshness and desire. And that will come," he said.
Müller’s Detailed Analysis and Insights
Müller provided a comprehensive analysis of VfB Stuttgart’s current situation, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
- Tight Bundesliga Table: Despite their recent setbacks, Stuttgart remain in contention for a Champions League spot, as the table is very competitive.
- Ambition and Quality: Müller believes that VfB has the ambition and quality to return to the Champions League next season.
- European Experience: Stuttgart’s experience in the Champions League, where they reached the round of 16 last season, could prove valuable in the quest for qualification.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Performances: VfB’s recent dip in form has been a concern, with the team winning just two of their last six games.
- Congested Schedule: Müller emphasizes the toll that the congested schedule has taken on the team, both physically and mentally.
- Loss of Quality: The departures of Guirassy, Anton, and Ito have left a void in the squad, which has contributed to the team’s recent struggles.
Müller’s Optimistic Outlook
Despite the challenges facing VfB Stuttgart, Müller remains optimistic about their prospects for the remainder of the season. He believes that the team will rediscover their form once the schedule eases up and the players have more time to rest and recover. Müller’s insights and analysis provide a balanced perspective on VfB Stuttgart’s current situation and highlight the factors that will shape their future.
