VfB Stuttgart [FM2006] (Bundesliga M9:Frankfurt v Stuttgart)

[m_vaughan]

Gameweek results

A look at the gameweek's results. Schlake, after three straight wins are held to a draw by Duisburg. Bayern have dropped furthur down the table after failing to beat Wolfsburg. Hertha Berlin move up to third after their third win in a row, while Stuttgart moved upto sixth with a 2-1 win over K?ln. Leverkusen and Mainz, who were both struggling in the league made strong comebacks with 5-1 and 3-0 wins respectively.

Table:

 

[MWaugh]

i absolutly love the presentation of this thread. especially your signature sid. not a bad position to be in early in the season but your going to have to do something to fix the goal difference situation. youve got the equal best attack in the competition but the second worst defence

 

[m_vaughan]

Focus moves to Europe..

After a good weekend for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, which saw them get back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over FC K?ln and go upto sixth in the table, the focus now shifts to the UEFA Cup.

As we all know (posted earlier in the thread), Stuttgart will be facing Norwegian side Valarenga in the first round of the UEFA Cup. The match will be held on Thursday, the 15th of September, 2005 at the Ulleval stadium in Oslo, Norway.

Claudio Ranieri therefore has fewer days to prepare for this encounter. However despite this and the fact that the game is an away fixture, he still gave Sunday off to the players, and had them resume training from Monday.

On Monday, the players basically did their training exercises, under the supervision of Ranieri, Brehme, and all the other coaches and staff. Ranieri kept the workload on his defence at heavy as he was still not convinced.

Stuttgart players at training

Tuesday too training continued in Stuttgart. The players practiced taking shots on goal, penalties, free kicks, corners, attacking throw-ins, and practicising one-two near the goal. The squad was divided into attackers and defenders, and a mini-game was played, where in the defenders were supposed to prevent the attackers from scoring.

During both days, Ranieri kept on advising the players on various things. He along with his coaching staff tried out various tactics and strategies.

Then on Wednesday morning the team boarded the morning flight to Oslo.

The flight to Oslo

On reaching Oslo, the players took some rest initially, before reporting for training at late evening. Ranieri wanted them to have a feel of the climate, and get used to the atmosphere in Norway.

Training and exercise sessions in Oslo

"It is very important to adapt in an European fixture, because rounds are won in the away games," Ranieri told his players.

The players were then allowed to return to their hotels and if required to spend some time in the city. However Ranieri and Brehme made it clear, that drinking was not permitted, and that it was essential for all the players to get a good sleep as well. For this purpose Ranieri had also kept an afternoon training session the next day.

Ranieri also had the official UEFA press conference to attend before that training session. He would be accompanied by team captain Andreas Hinkel and assistant manager Andreas Brehme for the same.

 

[Left_Hander]

Great presenation so far Vaunghie. The defence seems a bit of a worry. Hope you fix it up.

,
Left_Hander

 

[gamerkid22]

Great presentation as usual sid .......this is truly awesome stuff

 

[m_vaughan]

Claudio Ranieri, Andreas Brehme and Andreas Hinkel were present at the UEFA Cup press conference in Oslo.

Ranieri talks to the press ahead of Stuttgart's first round UEFA Cup clash with Valerenga

Richard Langer, UEFA.com: When you took charge of Stuttgart, you said you wanted to play in the Champions League? How do you rate the UEFA Cup as a competition?

Claudio Ranieri: I take the UEFA Cup very seriously. It probably requires as much to win this competition as the Champions League. This competition usually involves teams that have just missed out on the champions league, and are hence very good sides. Besides European games require a different style of playing, thinking, tactics and strategies, and all this is essential for the development and growth of a team. So, this competition is very important for me and my team.


John Noflok, NorSport: How much do you know about Valerenga, and about Norwegian football?

Claudio Ranieri: Being a manager, I have keep a watch on all the leagues in Europe and abroad to look for potential signings. But to be honest I do not know too much about the Norwegian league and the clubs here, although I have watched quite a few games of Rosenborg and during my time at Chelsea, I also came to know a lot about Viking, who knocked us out of the UEFA Cup that season. About Valerenga, I dint know much, but have been watching a lot of their match videos as part of our match preparation and I must admit I was impressed by the way they pushed Rosenborg last season. They seem to play a very efficient passing game, and have players who can make good use of both flanks as well the centre to make runs. We are confident of getting a result here, but cannot take our opponents lightly. The away goal is crucial in these matches, and hence I would want my team to score here.


Richard Wizack, Norwegian Times: Do you think your team is good enough of going all the way?

Claudio Ranieri: Yes very much. Although I do agree there are stronger teams in the competition, but we have a good squad, and the format of the competiton, apart from the group stage, is knock-out, and anything can happen. In the end it all boils down to how a team performs over two legs.


Manuel Bruischer, Reuters: Your record in European competition isnt very good. Apart from taking Chelsea to the semi-finals of the 2003-04 Champions League, your teams have struggled both in the UEFA Cup and the Champions League. Do you think your tactics arent suitable for Europe?

Claudio Ranieri: Well thats a strong statement to make, but the fact is my tactics did take Chelsea to the semi-finals, beating teams like Arsenal and Stuttgart in the process. I think you need a fair bit of luck in these competitions, especially in the knockout stages. And apart from that I do not bother about my or this club's past history, and look at every game as a fresh challenge. If we play well then we should win.


Per Frentzen, Eurosport: Mr. Hinkel, how is the team spirit under the new manager?

Andreas Hinkel: Very good. Claudio Ranieri is a fantastic manager, and knows a lot about football because of his experience in Spain, Italy and England. Also since hes been involved in European competition before, his views and tactics are very important to us. And ever since he took over as manager, we have all learned a lot, which has helped us perform better on the field, and I am sure we will do well under him.


Thomas Benter, Dupost: Mr. Hinkel, do you think defensively you are good enough, because even your manager has criticised the team's defending in recent times?

Andreas Hinkel: Thats true. We have let in more goals than anyone else in the Bundesliga so far, and it is true that defensively we have been well below par. But thats in the past now. We have been working hard in training to improve on our mistakes, and I am confident that we'll do well in the coming games both in Europe and Germany.

Claudio Ranieri: And I would also want to add that when a team lets in goals, it is not just the fault of the defenders, but of the entire team's. So we have been working as a team to overcome this, and like Andreas Hinkel said, we are a lot better now.

 

[Bala]

That was a good interview, the manager and player complementing each other! Good work.

 

[MWaugh]

youve definatly started the season well and everyone appears to be settling in very nicely. can you tell me one thing though sid. is the a - league in this program?

 

[m_vaughan]

Preview

Stuttgart face Valerenga test

Claudio Ranieri's VfB Stuttgart side are in Norway to take on Oslo based side, Valerenga, in the first round of the UEFA Cup. The match will be played at Norway's national stadium, The Ulleval Stadium.

Valerenga are four time champions of the Norwegian Premier Division title, and pushed powerhouse Rosenborg all the way this season, finishing second only on goal difference. Claudio Ranieri who has been busy going through match videos involving them, has been highly impressed with passage play and use of the entire width of the pitch to make runs.

"They have a very efficient passing game, and can make runs along both flanks as well as the centre. It will be another difficult game for our defenders, but we are ready for it," said Ranieri.

Valerenga are also the only Norwegian Top Division team that does not own its own stadium. It's current home, the Ulleval stadium, is owned jointly by the Norwegian FA and rival club, Lyn.

Stuttgart returned to winning ways in the Bundesliga this past weekend, when picked up an impressive 2-1 victory away to K?ln, which also saw them climb to sixth place in the table, just a point behind defending champions Bayern M?nchen. But the main concern for Ranieri is his team's defence which has conceded nine goals in the Bundesliga, which is the second worst at the moment.

But club captain Andreas Hinkel believes that they have been working hard in training, and are much better now.

"Our defence has performed poorly, but its only the start of the season, and there is a long way to go yet. But still we've been training hard to try and improve on our mistakes. As a result we are much better now and very much ready for this game," said Hinkel.

Both sides have no injury problems at the moment, and should be fielding their strongest teams.

"I take the UEFA Cup very seriously, and want to win it. For this it is important that our best team plays the matches," added Ranieri.

 

[m_vaughan]

An away win....almost!

Valerenga vs Stuttgart
UEFA Cup - 1st Round (1st Leg)
Ulleval Stadium, Oslo

The Match:
Stuttgart travelled to Oslo to take on Valerenga at the Ulleval stadium. This being a first round tie of the UEFA Cup.

The lineups at the start of the game:

Subs:

So Claudio Ranieri sticks to his 4-4-2 diamond formation, but has made two changes from the team beat K?ln, with Danijel Ljuboja replacing Mario Carevic at the top of the diamond in midfield, and Markus Babbel who takes the place of Boris Zivkovic in defence. The rest is the same, with Tomasson and Cacau upfront. Hitzlsperger and Gronkjaer start on the wings, while Fernando Meira plays at the back of the diamond. Joining Babbel in defence are Heiko Gerber, playing left back, Ludovic Magnin playing left center, and captain Andreas Hinkel at right back. Timo Hildebrand is the goalkeeper.

The opponents, Valerenga have gone with the 4-4-2 standard formation, playing two wingers. Former Sunderland and Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo is the club's captain and main forward.

Result:

Goals:

It did look like Claudio Ranieri's side had done enough to return to Germany with a vital win, but a last minute goal from substitute Havard Lie, kept the home side's hopes alive. But they still have a tough task in hand, considering that Stuttgart have two away goals to their name. It was an even game in terms of possession, although Stuttgart had more shots overall. However, in terms of shots on goal, the visitors had just one more than the home side.

The first half was closely fought, with both teams cancelling each other out. The Stuttgart defence looked a lot better and stronger with the experienced Markus Babbel playing a crucial role. Although Valerenga did come close through Magne Hoseth and Jonas Jacobsen, before Espen Pattersen scored in the 41st minute. For Stuttgart, Tomasson had a fabulous chance, but Arni Arason did equally well with the save. Danijel Ljuboja, Fernando Meira and Jesper Gronkjaer had chances too.

In the second half, Ranieri dint make any changes, but changed his formation to a 4-3-3, with Ljuboja moving upfront alongside Tomasson and Cacau. But despite decent attempts from Tomasson, Meira, Ljuboja and Hitzlsperger, Stuttgart still couldnt find the equaliser. Finally Ranieri decided to introduce Mario Carevic and Silvio Meibner, replacing Cacau and Ludovic Magnin. And the substitution worked, when just five minutes later Mario Carevic beat Arason to level the scores. The Croatian scoring his third goal of the season. Silvio Meibner then played as defensive and holding midfielder, while Danijel Ljuboja and Mario Carevic both went a bit back, leaving Jon Dahl Tomasson as the sole striker. This clearly indicated that Ranieri was happy to take this 1-1 result to Stuttgart, having got the away goal. But just four minutes from full time, Stuttgart took the lead, when Valerenga defender Geir Birkeland deflected the ball into his own net. Substitute Havard Lie, however did manage through break through the Stuttgart defence in the last minute, and made it 2-2. And thats how it ended. So close we came to an away win!

Claudio Ranieri will still be more than happy to have scored two away goals, even though one was scored by an opponent player.

Ranieri's main concern prior to this game was his defence, that had been conceding goals a bit too frequently in domestic competition. As a result the Italian decided to bring in the experienced Markus Babbel in place of Boris Zivkovic, and the former Liverpool man repaid his manager by putting in a man of the match performance.

Stats:

 

[m_vaughan]

Review

Lie keeps Valerenga hopes alive

Mario Carevic celebrates Stuttgart's first goal

Havard Lie's last minute equaliser keeps the Norwegian side very much in the tie, but Stuttgart do have the advantage of two away goals. Earlier Espen Pettersen gave the home side a deserved lead in the first half, which stood till the seventy-first minute, before Mario Carevic equalised for Stuttgart. The visitors then seemed to have had the game in the bag, when Valerenga defender Geir Birkeland deflected the ball into his own net. But Havard Lie, who came on as a substitute had other ideas.

Both teams started the game brightly, producing end-to-end action in the early parts of the first half. Jon Dahl Tomasson had a magnificent chance for the visitors, but goalkeeper Arni Arason produced an equally impressive save.

There were a few decent chances for both teams after that, but it was the home team that broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Timo Hildebrand's error saw Espen Pettersen slot the ball into an empty net. The German keeper failed to control a headed pass from Andreas Hinkel, and Tore Andre Flo took advantage of the situation and passed the ball across to Espen Pettersen who tapped it into the Stuttgart goal. The home fans went crazy as the Valerenga players celebrated near the corner-flag.

The second half saw the visitors take hold of the game, showing more attacking intent. But the equalising goal remained elusive. Finally manager Claudio Ranieri made two changes, with Mario Carevic and Silvio Meibner coming on for Cacau and Ludovic Magnin. And the substitution worked wonders when just five minutes later Carevic latched onto Ljuboja's perfect ball, went past the Valerenga defence and nailed the ball into the back of the net. Carevic did a long-hop before being climbed upon by Fernando Meira, and soon covered by all his team-mates. Timo Hildebrand also celebrated at his goal.

Stuttgart went on the defensive after this, while the home side appeared to be more attacking. But it was the vistors who took the lead just four minutes from full time, when Fernando Meira's viscious shot was deflected by Geir Birkeland into his own goal. Fernando Meira ran to the Stuttgart fans and thumped the air in celebration of what looked to be the winning goal.

But it was not to be. Substitute Havard Lie equalised in the last minute of normal time, when he somehow found space past a highly populated Stuttgart defence, and hit a low shot past Hildebrand and into goal. The entire stadium erupted, as Lie skidded on his knees along the pitch, and raised his arms in joy.

The referee soon ended what had been a dramatic game of football, one which either side could have won. However, despite conceding that late goal, the visitors will be more than happy to go back home with two away goals to their name.

Stuttgart manager Claudio Ranieri was disappointed in conceding that equaliser, but was pleased with the final result.

"It would have been fantastic if we had got the win here, but a draw with two away goals is definately not a bad result. Infact before the game if you had offered me this scoreline, I'd definately have taken it," said Ranieri.

Man of the match, Markus Babbel also rued that last goal, but was happy with the team's performance.

"Its a shame we let them score so late in the game, especially after having played so well till then. These away games are very difficult, and I thought we had a good and solid performance today, and deserved a win. But we'll take the draw, and the two away goals will be crucial," said Babbel.

The return leg will be played in weeks time at Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler stadion.

 

[Bala]

Well, it is one of those days, when the minnows pop-up. It would be interesting to see whether the Norwegians could do a giant killing away!

 

[m_vaughan]

Other results

Well, it is one of those days, when the minnows pop-up. It would be interesting to see whether the Norwegians could do a giant killing away!

Very true, although these european away ties can be really tricky. Personally I feel to have got a draw with two away goals is good enough.

__________________________________________________________________

A look at all the results from the first leg of the UEFA Cup first round.

German side Stuttgart drew 2-2 with Norwegian team Valerenga at Oslo, while Bayer Leverkusen recorded an impressive 1-0 away victory over Mapoel Tel-Aviv of Israel. Another German team Hertha Berlin beat Viking SK of Norway 3-0 at home, while Mainz won their game at home against RC Genk of Belgium, 2-0.

Amongst the Spanish teams, after losing to Manchester United in third qualifying round of the Champions League on penalties, Real Betis picked up an away draw and an away goal againce Rennes of France, Deportivo thrased Swiss side Grasshopper 4-0 at the Riazor, Osasuna and Espanyol were held to draws at home by Dutch team Willem II and OFK Beograd of Serbia and Montenegro respectively, while Sevilla beat Russia's Krylja Sovetov 2-0 at home. Valencia were highly impressive in their 5-0 demolition of Hungarian outfit Sopron. Villarreal, who were beaten by English side Everton in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, face a tricky second leg against FC Midtjylland of Denmark despite winning 2-1 on the night. A 1-0 win will be enough for the Danes.

The second leg takes place in a fortnight's time.

 

[Bala]

Anderlecht have been defeated. thats a surprize. Also 'Boro, Bolton have struggled through. Deportivo and Valencia are a class apart away from the UEFA Cup. And good to see The Toffees knock out Villareal!

 

[m_vaughan]

Anderlecht have been defeated. thats a surprize. Also 'Boro, Bolton have struggled through. Deportivo and Valencia are a class apart away from the UEFA Cup. And good to see The Toffees knock out Villareal!

Anderlecht should still be able to go through, as they have the second leg at home. Fully agree about Valencia, not too sure about Depor though. And yes, both the Spanish sides (Real Betis and Villarreal) losing to English opposition in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. Man United and Real Betis drew both games 0-0, with the former going through 4-3 on penalties, in the second leg which was played in Betis.

Everton on the other hand drew 2-2 with Villarreal at GP, and won the away leg 1-0, James Beattie scoring in the 87th minute!