Bala
International Coach
Excellent result for Hitz whose performance can help him push Schweinsteinger for a spot in the German team.
VfB Stuttgart [FM2006] (Bundesliga M9:Frankfurt v Stuttgart)
- Thread starter m_vaughan
- Start date
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
(13.10.2005)
The players who were out on international duty reported for training today. Claudio Ranieri still had a problem in deciding who to put upfront alongside Jon Dahl Tomasson. Following Cacau's injury, Mario Gomez started in the last game against Bayern and had a poor day. Marco Streller who was expected to be the replacement for Cacau in the first place is now almost certain to start against Hamburg. Ranieri also has the on-loan striker Iv?n Gonz?lez as an option.
Streller might get his chance to start afterall
Another choice is to play just Tomasson upfront and two attacking midfielders. This would mean both Carevic and Ljuboja will get to start.
(14.10.2005)
The players had a heavy training schedule today. Most the players have had just yesterday and today to train for the game against Hamburg. Ranieri was keeping a close eye on Streller, Gomez and Gonz?lez. He was not really keen on playing a 4-5-1 formation.
Having gone through the tapes of previous matches, Ranieri had got the impression that Hamburg played a very physical game. And he made his players aware of that.
"They are very English like side, and are physically strong. So we have to match them man to man and not let them dominate the ball possession. The only way to counter their physical advantage is with pace. Make good use of both the flanks and even the center."
The players who were out on international duty reported for training today. Claudio Ranieri still had a problem in deciding who to put upfront alongside Jon Dahl Tomasson. Following Cacau's injury, Mario Gomez started in the last game against Bayern and had a poor day. Marco Streller who was expected to be the replacement for Cacau in the first place is now almost certain to start against Hamburg. Ranieri also has the on-loan striker Iv?n Gonz?lez as an option.
Streller might get his chance to start afterall
Another choice is to play just Tomasson upfront and two attacking midfielders. This would mean both Carevic and Ljuboja will get to start.
(14.10.2005)
The players had a heavy training schedule today. Most the players have had just yesterday and today to train for the game against Hamburg. Ranieri was keeping a close eye on Streller, Gomez and Gonz?lez. He was not really keen on playing a 4-5-1 formation.
Having gone through the tapes of previous matches, Ranieri had got the impression that Hamburg played a very physical game. And he made his players aware of that.
"They are very English like side, and are physically strong. So we have to match them man to man and not let them dominate the ball possession. The only way to counter their physical advantage is with pace. Make good use of both the flanks and even the center."
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Preview
Stuttgart host Hamburg
Saturday 15 October 2005
The Bundesliga returns after a week's absence and the Gottlieb-Daimler stadion will be hosting one of the crunch encounters of this eight gameweek, as fifth placed Stuttgart take on sixth placed Hamburg.
Stuttgart suffered their second loss of the Bundesliga season when they went down to defending champions Bayern, 1-2. But manager Claudio Ranieri believes his team is on the right track.
"We lost to a very good team, but we tried our best. I was particularly pleased with the effort put in by my players, and that is all that I can ask of them. Although I admit that we did miss the presence of Cacau upfront. And that is something we've been working on during training," said the 53 year old Italian.
Hamburg are on a four match unbeaten streak, and their last game too was against Bayern, ending in a 2-2 draw.
Hamburg's star trio of Mahdavika, Barbarez and Van Buyten
Sergej Barbarez has been in top form for the Rothosen scoring in their last three games. And manager Thomas Doll believes the Bosnian striker will pose a lot of problems to the home side defence.
"Sergej might be 34, but he still can outrun most defenders in the world, and I think he holds the key for us once again in this game. Few will bet against him scoring, especially against a dodgy Stuttgart defence," said Doll.
Hamburg defender Khalid Boulahrouz is a doubt for this game, but striker Emile Mpenza has been cleared to play.
Stuttgart host Hamburg
Saturday 15 October 2005
The Bundesliga returns after a week's absence and the Gottlieb-Daimler stadion will be hosting one of the crunch encounters of this eight gameweek, as fifth placed Stuttgart take on sixth placed Hamburg.
Stuttgart suffered their second loss of the Bundesliga season when they went down to defending champions Bayern, 1-2. But manager Claudio Ranieri believes his team is on the right track.
"We lost to a very good team, but we tried our best. I was particularly pleased with the effort put in by my players, and that is all that I can ask of them. Although I admit that we did miss the presence of Cacau upfront. And that is something we've been working on during training," said the 53 year old Italian.
Hamburg are on a four match unbeaten streak, and their last game too was against Bayern, ending in a 2-2 draw.
Hamburg's star trio of Mahdavika, Barbarez and Van Buyten
Sergej Barbarez has been in top form for the Rothosen scoring in their last three games. And manager Thomas Doll believes the Bosnian striker will pose a lot of problems to the home side defence.
"Sergej might be 34, but he still can outrun most defenders in the world, and I think he holds the key for us once again in this game. Few will bet against him scoring, especially against a dodgy Stuttgart defence," said Doll.
Hamburg defender Khalid Boulahrouz is a doubt for this game, but striker Emile Mpenza has been cleared to play.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Stuttgart vs Hamburg
Bundesliga Gameweek 8
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV
Gottlieb-Daimler stadion, Stuttgart
Even though not as much as the Bayern game, we still have an attendance of 50,216 at Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler stadion for this crucial Bundesliga game.
The weather is a bit dry but the atmosphere is charged up. We are in for a cracking encounter today.
Here are the team's lineups for today:
Subs:
Stuttgart-
34 Alexandero Stolz, 13 Christian Tiffert, 7 Silvio Mei?ner, 9 Marco Strellar, 40 Christian Genter, 33 Mario Gomez, 5 Markus Babbel
Hamburg-
12 Sascha Kirchschstein, 16 Ren? Klingbeil, 2 Reto Zeigler, 8 Markus Karl, 25 Emile Mpenza, 66 Ken Reichel, 4 Bastian Reinhardt
So Stuttgart have stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond, but have handed Carevic a place up front, with Ljuboja taking his spot in midfield.
Hamburg defender Khalid Boulahrouz does start despite being deemed doubtful prior to the game, but Emile Mpenza has to be content with a place on the bench.
The referee for this game is Markus Schmidt.
Bundesliga Gameweek 8
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV
Gottlieb-Daimler stadion, Stuttgart
Even though not as much as the Bayern game, we still have an attendance of 50,216 at Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler stadion for this crucial Bundesliga game.
The weather is a bit dry but the atmosphere is charged up. We are in for a cracking encounter today.
Here are the team's lineups for today:
Subs:
Stuttgart-
34 Alexandero Stolz, 13 Christian Tiffert, 7 Silvio Mei?ner, 9 Marco Strellar, 40 Christian Genter, 33 Mario Gomez, 5 Markus Babbel
Hamburg-
12 Sascha Kirchschstein, 16 Ren? Klingbeil, 2 Reto Zeigler, 8 Markus Karl, 25 Emile Mpenza, 66 Ken Reichel, 4 Bastian Reinhardt
So Stuttgart have stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond, but have handed Carevic a place up front, with Ljuboja taking his spot in midfield.
Hamburg defender Khalid Boulahrouz does start despite being deemed doubtful prior to the game, but Emile Mpenza has to be content with a place on the bench.
The referee for this game is Markus Schmidt.
Bala
International Coach
No Nigel de Jong or Rafael Van der Vaart for Hamburg. Being my favorite Bundesliga team, I am rooting for the Hamburgers!
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Van der Vaart is out for a month with a sprained ankle (is expected to make is return by next week)Bala said:
And De Jong isnt part of Hamburg in this game. He joined the club in Jan 2006, while this game starts from July 2005.
Left_Hander
Chairman of Selectors
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Online Cricket Games Owned
Should be a close game. With Stuttgart's home ground advantage I think that will just get them over the line. 1-0 win to Stuttgart.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Thanks for your continued support mate. It is a close game indeed as both teams are in the top six of the table and within touching distance of first place.Left_Hander said:
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Super Serb Strikes
Bundesliga Gameweek 8
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV
Gottlieb-Daimler stadion, Stuttgart
The Result:
Goals:
The atmosphere at the ground was fantastic. And the game itself got off to an explosive start with Danijel Ljuboja giving the home side the lead in just the eighth minute. The Serbian player picked up a inch perfect pass from Jon Dahl Tomasson and easily slotted it into goal. Hamburg responded through their in-form striker Sergej Barbarez, who headed the ball in off Benjamin Lauth's cross. Fernando Meira's right footed half volley from outside the box put Stuttgart in the front once again. And the home side took a 3-1 lead soon after when Danijel Ljuboja chipped the ball over the keeper to score his second goal of the game.
Fernando Meira's goal:
All four goals coming in the first half in what was an unbelievable first half an hour of the game. Although Hamburg had more of the ball, Stuttgart were clearly the better side, enjoying a lot more clear cut chances. Jon Dahl Tomasson had a brilliant day at the office, playing a part in two of the goals and several other chances as well. Ljuboja, Meira, and Hitzlsperger also did well with the first two getting on the scoresheet as well. In defence Marcel Schuon particularly looked very solid, although the back four as a whole did a fine job today. Hildebrand too put in an impressive display in goal. For Hamburg, Sergej Barbarez was once again the best player although their goalkeeper, Stefan W?chter, despite conceding three goals did well.
But in the end it was Tomasson who was rated Man of the match.
Stats:
Soccernet Match Report coming up next..
Bundesliga Gameweek 8
VfB Stuttgart vs Hamburger SV
Gottlieb-Daimler stadion, Stuttgart
The Result:
Goals:
The atmosphere at the ground was fantastic. And the game itself got off to an explosive start with Danijel Ljuboja giving the home side the lead in just the eighth minute. The Serbian player picked up a inch perfect pass from Jon Dahl Tomasson and easily slotted it into goal. Hamburg responded through their in-form striker Sergej Barbarez, who headed the ball in off Benjamin Lauth's cross. Fernando Meira's right footed half volley from outside the box put Stuttgart in the front once again. And the home side took a 3-1 lead soon after when Danijel Ljuboja chipped the ball over the keeper to score his second goal of the game.
Fernando Meira's goal:
All four goals coming in the first half in what was an unbelievable first half an hour of the game. Although Hamburg had more of the ball, Stuttgart were clearly the better side, enjoying a lot more clear cut chances. Jon Dahl Tomasson had a brilliant day at the office, playing a part in two of the goals and several other chances as well. Ljuboja, Meira, and Hitzlsperger also did well with the first two getting on the scoresheet as well. In defence Marcel Schuon particularly looked very solid, although the back four as a whole did a fine job today. Hildebrand too put in an impressive display in goal. For Hamburg, Sergej Barbarez was once again the best player although their goalkeeper, Stefan W?chter, despite conceding three goals did well.
But in the end it was Tomasson who was rated Man of the match.
Stats:
Soccernet Match Report coming up next..
Left_Hander
Chairman of Selectors
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Online Cricket Games Owned
Geez, you killed them. You can tell I am not a punter 
.
That goal from Miera was class. Stunning strike.
.That goal from Miera was class. Stunning strike.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Report
Ljuboja sinks Hamburg
Saturday 15 October 2005
A brace from Stuttgart's Serbian midfielder Danijel Ljuboja along with Fernando Meira's thunderous strike handed Claudio Ranieri's side an impressive 3-1 victory over Hamburg.
Stuttgart went into the game with Carevic playing upfront and Ljuboja taking his spot in attacking midfield. Hamburg on the other hand decided to keep Belgian striker Emile Mpenza on the bench.
The game off to a fantastic start with Danish international Jon Dahl Tomasson first rattling the crossbar with a long range strike, followed by a low shot across the face of goal by Jesper Gronkjaer that just went wide.
Tomasson then setup Danijel Ljuboja for the opening goal with a nice flick and the Serbian thumped the ball into the back of the net. Both players ran towards the fans and celebrated the goal with them. Manager Claudio Ranieri also gave the rare sight of his excitement by punching the air.
Hamburg almost equalised immediately when Mehdi Madhavika picked up a fine ball from Khalid Boulahrouz but hit it straight at Stuttgart keeper Timo Hildebrand.
However the equaliser did come soon after when in-form Sergej Barbarez headed in from Benjamin's Lauth cross. Barbarez's fourth goal in as many games.
Both Hamburg chances had come against the run of play, and Stuttgart would have been disappointed to have conceded a goal despite dominating the game so far.
Barbarez had another chance and shot at goal but the angle was too narrow and Hildebrand was able to keep the ball out.
Stuttgart then took the lead when Fernando Meira blasted in a shot from just inside the box. Jon Dahl Tomasson did most of the hardwork in going through the Hamburg defence before passing the ball to an unmarked Meira, who drilled it into the top corner. The stadium erupted at this point.
And the fans were still celebrating when Ljuboja scored another goal to increase his side's lead by three goals to one. Carevic and Ljuboja combined well with the former going towards the touchline before sending a low cross to Ljuboja, who following that did brilliantly to turn and get past Boulahrouz, before chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Ljuboja went skidding on his knees and was soon under a pile of Stuttgart players in front of 45,000 screaming Stuttgart fans.
Danijel Ljuboja celebrates his second goal
Stuttgart had two more chances in that first half with Marcel Schuon coming close with a header, and Tomasson forcing goalkeeper Stefan Wachter to make a top class save.
The second half started with a bang as Thomas Hitzlsperger ran past as many as three Hamburg defenders and hit a curling shot past Wachter, but the ball hit the upright. Hitzlsperger, who had already raised his arms in celebration, just couldnt believe it.
Hitzlsperger was however soon substituted along with Jesper Gronkjaer as Ranieri went for 5-4-1 formation bring in Christian Tiffert and Christian Genter. Carevic pulled back to take his original place in the midfield, and Fernando Meira went back to form a five man defence.
In search of goals, Hamburg manager Thomas Doll substituted Mehdi Mahdavika with Emile Mpenza, and the Belgian striker almost pulled one back for the visitors when his inch-perfect cross found Barbarez in free space but the final shot found the outstrechted hands of Hildebrand.
Christian Genter had the next good chance when he did a brilliant one-two with Tomasson and in doing so went past the Hamburg duo of Boulahrouz and Van Buyten. However the shot was tipped out for a corner by Wachter, who despite having conceded three goals was doing ever so well.
Both teams made their final substitutions. Stuttgart replaced Tomasson with Gomez while Hamburg brought on Markus Karl and Rene Klinbeil for Stefan Beinlich and Guy Demel.
Hamburg won a free-kick from close range in the dying moments of the game and Barbarez's shot was tipped away beautifully by a flying Hildebrand who was praised and congratulated by most of his players after that.
The final whistle was blown and the Stuttgart fans could be heard loud and clear as their team had given them a top draw performance, and more importantly the three points.
After the game their manager Claudio Ranieri just could not hide his excitement.
"It was a brilliant performance and a great win for us. We played like kings today and each and every one of our goals was a treat to the eyes. They way they were setup and finally executed was the direct result of the long hours at the training ground. And for a manager there is no better sight than this. I am proud of my players and am really pleased with our performance," said Ranieri.
Hamburg manager Thomas Doll congratulated Stuttgart on the win and blamed his team's defence for giving too much free space to the Stuttgart's players.
"Stuttgart played according to a plan and got it to work perfectly. However on our part we did give their players too much space and too many free chances on goal. Their second goal which according to me was the turning point was disappointing to watch because Fernando Meira had no one covering him and had to just shoot at goal. This has to change, and it is my responsibility to do that," said Doll.
For playing his part in two of the three goals and several other chances, Jon Dahl Tomasson was rightfully named Man of the Match.
Ljuboja sinks Hamburg
Saturday 15 October 2005
A brace from Stuttgart's Serbian midfielder Danijel Ljuboja along with Fernando Meira's thunderous strike handed Claudio Ranieri's side an impressive 3-1 victory over Hamburg.
Stuttgart went into the game with Carevic playing upfront and Ljuboja taking his spot in attacking midfield. Hamburg on the other hand decided to keep Belgian striker Emile Mpenza on the bench.
The game off to a fantastic start with Danish international Jon Dahl Tomasson first rattling the crossbar with a long range strike, followed by a low shot across the face of goal by Jesper Gronkjaer that just went wide.
Tomasson then setup Danijel Ljuboja for the opening goal with a nice flick and the Serbian thumped the ball into the back of the net. Both players ran towards the fans and celebrated the goal with them. Manager Claudio Ranieri also gave the rare sight of his excitement by punching the air.
Hamburg almost equalised immediately when Mehdi Madhavika picked up a fine ball from Khalid Boulahrouz but hit it straight at Stuttgart keeper Timo Hildebrand.
However the equaliser did come soon after when in-form Sergej Barbarez headed in from Benjamin's Lauth cross. Barbarez's fourth goal in as many games.
Both Hamburg chances had come against the run of play, and Stuttgart would have been disappointed to have conceded a goal despite dominating the game so far.
Barbarez had another chance and shot at goal but the angle was too narrow and Hildebrand was able to keep the ball out.
Stuttgart then took the lead when Fernando Meira blasted in a shot from just inside the box. Jon Dahl Tomasson did most of the hardwork in going through the Hamburg defence before passing the ball to an unmarked Meira, who drilled it into the top corner. The stadium erupted at this point.
And the fans were still celebrating when Ljuboja scored another goal to increase his side's lead by three goals to one. Carevic and Ljuboja combined well with the former going towards the touchline before sending a low cross to Ljuboja, who following that did brilliantly to turn and get past Boulahrouz, before chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Ljuboja went skidding on his knees and was soon under a pile of Stuttgart players in front of 45,000 screaming Stuttgart fans.
Danijel Ljuboja celebrates his second goal
Stuttgart had two more chances in that first half with Marcel Schuon coming close with a header, and Tomasson forcing goalkeeper Stefan Wachter to make a top class save.
The second half started with a bang as Thomas Hitzlsperger ran past as many as three Hamburg defenders and hit a curling shot past Wachter, but the ball hit the upright. Hitzlsperger, who had already raised his arms in celebration, just couldnt believe it.
Hitzlsperger was however soon substituted along with Jesper Gronkjaer as Ranieri went for 5-4-1 formation bring in Christian Tiffert and Christian Genter. Carevic pulled back to take his original place in the midfield, and Fernando Meira went back to form a five man defence.
In search of goals, Hamburg manager Thomas Doll substituted Mehdi Mahdavika with Emile Mpenza, and the Belgian striker almost pulled one back for the visitors when his inch-perfect cross found Barbarez in free space but the final shot found the outstrechted hands of Hildebrand.
Christian Genter had the next good chance when he did a brilliant one-two with Tomasson and in doing so went past the Hamburg duo of Boulahrouz and Van Buyten. However the shot was tipped out for a corner by Wachter, who despite having conceded three goals was doing ever so well.
Both teams made their final substitutions. Stuttgart replaced Tomasson with Gomez while Hamburg brought on Markus Karl and Rene Klinbeil for Stefan Beinlich and Guy Demel.
Hamburg won a free-kick from close range in the dying moments of the game and Barbarez's shot was tipped away beautifully by a flying Hildebrand who was praised and congratulated by most of his players after that.
The final whistle was blown and the Stuttgart fans could be heard loud and clear as their team had given them a top draw performance, and more importantly the three points.
After the game their manager Claudio Ranieri just could not hide his excitement.
"It was a brilliant performance and a great win for us. We played like kings today and each and every one of our goals was a treat to the eyes. They way they were setup and finally executed was the direct result of the long hours at the training ground. And for a manager there is no better sight than this. I am proud of my players and am really pleased with our performance," said Ranieri.
Hamburg manager Thomas Doll congratulated Stuttgart on the win and blamed his team's defence for giving too much free space to the Stuttgart's players.
"Stuttgart played according to a plan and got it to work perfectly. However on our part we did give their players too much space and too many free chances on goal. Their second goal which according to me was the turning point was disappointing to watch because Fernando Meira had no one covering him and had to just shoot at goal. This has to change, and it is my responsibility to do that," said Doll.
For playing his part in two of the three goals and several other chances, Jon Dahl Tomasson was rightfully named Man of the Match.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Gameweek 8 results
A roundup of all the scores from gameweek 8 of the Bundesliga.
Bayern were held to a goalless draw at home by relegation threatened Eintracht Frankfurt. Hertha Berlin and Schalke played out a 1-1 draw, while VfB Stuttgart went level on points with both Bayern and Hertha after an impressive 3-1 win over Hamburg. Wolfsburg thrashed Arminia 5-2 with Juan Carlos Menseguez scoring a hattrick. Hannover were beaten 2-3 by Dortmund, thus ending their unbeaten run.
Bayern are yet to lose a game while Duisburg have still not won a game.
A roundup of all the scores from gameweek 8 of the Bundesliga.
Bayern were held to a goalless draw at home by relegation threatened Eintracht Frankfurt. Hertha Berlin and Schalke played out a 1-1 draw, while VfB Stuttgart went level on points with both Bayern and Hertha after an impressive 3-1 win over Hamburg. Wolfsburg thrashed Arminia 5-2 with Juan Carlos Menseguez scoring a hattrick. Hannover were beaten 2-3 by Dortmund, thus ending their unbeaten run.
Bayern are yet to lose a game while Duisburg have still not won a game.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
(15.10.2005 - 17.10.2005)
Ranieri was so pleased with the performance against Hamburg that despite having a European game in midweek, he game the whole of Sunday and Monday off for his players.
Ranieri himself also took a holiday on Sunday and spent time with his family. On Monday he came to his office and attended the training session of the reserves and youth team. Following this he got in touch with the scouts. One of them, Hermann Ohlicher, who was touring France and Andorra, said that he had spotted a very talented and young midfielder at AS Monaco named Frederic Nimani. Ranieri was already aware of the player and asked Hermann to speak to the club and the player for a possible trial. Having done that Ranieri contacted his assistant manager Andreas Brehme and told him about the same. Brehme though wasnt too keen on a midfielder.
"Claudio, we have good first team and backup players in the midfield position, so why are you even considering another midfielder?" asked Brehme.
"Well we have to improve our squad and because we cannot afford to the big names we have to look out for talent like this at an early stage. When I was at Valencia, I was told that this guy has a lot of talent, and now that our scout Hermann has also been impressed by the kid, I am really keen on having a look at him myself," replied Ranieri.
Ranieri was so pleased with the performance against Hamburg that despite having a European game in midweek, he game the whole of Sunday and Monday off for his players.
Ranieri himself also took a holiday on Sunday and spent time with his family. On Monday he came to his office and attended the training session of the reserves and youth team. Following this he got in touch with the scouts. One of them, Hermann Ohlicher, who was touring France and Andorra, said that he had spotted a very talented and young midfielder at AS Monaco named Frederic Nimani. Ranieri was already aware of the player and asked Hermann to speak to the club and the player for a possible trial. Having done that Ranieri contacted his assistant manager Andreas Brehme and told him about the same. Brehme though wasnt too keen on a midfielder.
"Claudio, we have good first team and backup players in the midfield position, so why are you even considering another midfielder?" asked Brehme.
"Well we have to improve our squad and because we cannot afford to the big names we have to look out for talent like this at an early stage. When I was at Valencia, I was told that this guy has a lot of talent, and now that our scout Hermann has also been impressed by the kid, I am really keen on having a look at him myself," replied Ranieri.
Bala
International Coach
A big disappointment personally as a Hamburg fan, but a great result for Ranieri's boys.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
Stuttgart tracking duo
Stuttgart tracking duo
Tuesday 18 October 2005
AS Monaco's Frederic Nimani and Kaiserslautern's Stefan Keissling
Sources close to VfB Stuttgart believe manager Claudio Ranieri is interested in the duo of Frederic Nimani and Stefan Keissling. Two of the club's scouts are said to be currently in talks with the players' respective clubs for the possibility of a transfer, loan or even a trial.
Nimani, an attacking midfielder, is the product of AS Monaco's youth setup and has made a few appearances for the senior team as a substitute. Keissling, a striker, on the other hand has one start to his name for his current club FC Kaiserslautern and has a very good goalscoring record for their second and youth team.
Stuttgart have made just one signing since the arrival of new manager Claudio Ranieri, namely that of defender Jens Harter from local rivals Stuttgarter Kickers.
Stuttgart tracking duo
Tuesday 18 October 2005
AS Monaco's Frederic Nimani and Kaiserslautern's Stefan Keissling
Sources close to VfB Stuttgart believe manager Claudio Ranieri is interested in the duo of Frederic Nimani and Stefan Keissling. Two of the club's scouts are said to be currently in talks with the players' respective clubs for the possibility of a transfer, loan or even a trial.
Nimani, an attacking midfielder, is the product of AS Monaco's youth setup and has made a few appearances for the senior team as a substitute. Keissling, a striker, on the other hand has one start to his name for his current club FC Kaiserslautern and has a very good goalscoring record for their second and youth team.
Stuttgart have made just one signing since the arrival of new manager Claudio Ranieri, namely that of defender Jens Harter from local rivals Stuttgarter Kickers.