For the time being, Stuttgart's hopes rest on Matarazzo's previous assistant coach. The club hasn't seemed restless for a long time - and that's probably why it's difficult to find a new coach.
Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - Michael Wimmer kept bringing a player over to him. The 42-year-old is currently in charge of the VfB Stuttgart training ground. After Tuesday's session, he also led Wednesday's session. In the Swabian Bundesliga team's ongoing search for a coach, there are many indications that the interim coach will also take care of the team in the home game against VfL Bochum next Saturday (3:30 p.m. / Sky). It would be his second senior role this season.
VfB parted ways with head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo on Monday. In the media, former Hoffenheim coach Sebastian Hoeneß and Thomas Tuchel's long-time assistant coach, Zsolt Löw, had recently been traded as possible successors to the Italian-American. It was not concrete with either of the two.
Sven Mislintat outlined the profile of requirements for the new coach. The sports director, CEO Alexander Wehrle and the club's new advisor, Sami Khedira, have not found him yet.
For the time being, Stuttgart's hopes rest on Wimmer. The Bavarian was previously assistant coach under Matarazzo. In the home game against FC Schalke 04 (1-1) at the beginning of September, he had already represented the then suspended 44-year-old on the sidelines. He is considered a buddy type with a clear speech. Can he get Stuttgart, who are still without a win in the league, back on track for the all-important game against Bochum at the bottom of the table?
According to Mislintat, the style of play should not change fundamentally even after the Matarazzo era. "It won't help to stand deep, only defend and only play long wood," said the 49-year-old. "That's not the identity of the team and the club."
Who is once again at a crossroads. The unclear future of Mislintat, whose contract expires next summer and with whom an extension is only to be discussed during the World Cup break in mid-November, should also play a role in the search for a coach.
Overall, VfB is currently more restless than it has been for a long time. In the analysis of the current crisis, which ultimately led to Matarazzo's release, he also included the team, the other coaching staff and himself "as responsible for the squad", reported Mislintat. "This is an analysis that we have to do in sport, but that the entire club also has to do in terms of framework conditions, profitability, calm work." The remaining seven competitive games by the end of the year will point the way.
All the more gratifying for Stuttgart that defender Hiroki Ito, who had been substituted against 1. FC Union Berlin (0:1) on Sunday, was back in training on Wednesday. Defense chief Waldemar Anton, who suffered a laceration on his head against the Köpenicker, completed a reduced programme.
