VfB Stuttgart - Pushing for Europe, 08/09 Season Thread Part III (R)

[benztown]

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/huntelaar-va-irlanda-acelerar-marcha/dasftb/20090713dasdasftb_63/Tes


http://www.as.com/recorte/20090713dasdasftb_18/C280/Ies/Huntelaar_va_Irlanda_acelerar_marcha.jpg

Huntelaar is not going to Ireland with the rest of the team in order to speed up his departure

The article goes on to say the same old story. Stuttgart is the only team to meet Real's demands. No mentioning of Tottenham. I'd say that this sounds good indeed...

[footyfan1]

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/huntelaar-va-irlanda-acelerar-marcha/dasftb/20090713dasdasftb_63/Tes


http://www.as.com/recorte/20090713dasdasftb_18/C280/Ies/Huntelaar_va_Irlanda_acelerar_marcha.jpg

Huntelaar is not going to Ireland with the rest of the team in order to speed up his departure

The article goes on to say the same old story. Stuttgart is the only team to meet Real's demands. No mentioning of Tottenham. I'd say that this sounds good indeed...



Funny. Just yesterday there were other reports that said he was going to Ireland.

But if he isn't, yes, that is good news indeed.

And I think he will play hard for you guys even if it is just to get the big clubs calling again in the future.......

[Rainer24]

I'll rest easy when I see a non-photoshop pic of him down on the Schlossplatz with a plate of Käsespätzle in one hand and a Tannenzäpfle in the other. Until then, I still believe in our ability to f this up by being a bunch of cheap bastards.

[stonesean]

Cheap bastards?

In Stuttgart?

What are you trying to say?

:D

[Equilibrium]

This will be terrible if all you can do this summer is buy Huntelaar. The transfer window will close soon and you need to seal this deal and go after other players because you will be a weaker team with just Huntelaar and no Gomez next season, as I have already explained for Champions League and a repeat of last time will happen. I honestly believe bar him, you need 2 other quality starters in your team but I definitely do not see that happening with the quick speed of which your management buys players.....

[footyfan1]

This will be terrible if all you can do this summer is buy Huntelaar. The transfer window will close soon and you need to seal this deal and go after other players because you will be a weaker team with just Huntelaar and no Gomez next season, as I have already explained for Champions League and a repeat of last time will happen. I honestly believe bar him, you need 2 other quality starters in your team but I definitely do not see that happening with the quick speed of which your management buys players.....

EQ. Chill bro.

AFAIK, the transfer window is open for more than a month yet.

What makes you think Stuttgart is working on Huntelaar and only Huntelaar?

Except for somehow thinking Basturk was worth 3M per season, I think Heldt's record has been nearly outstanding.

He still deserves the benefit of the doubt.

After all, there is a reason both Schalke and Wolfsburg showed interest in luring him from Stuttgart.

[Rainer24]

This will be terrible if all you can do this summer is buy Huntelaar. The transfer window will close soon and you need to seal this deal and go after other players because you will be a weaker team with just Huntelaar and no Gomez next season, as I have already explained for Champions League and a repeat of last time will happen. I honestly believe bar him, you need 2 other quality starters in your team but I definitely do not see that happening with the quick speed of which your management buys players.....


Man, not everyone can be Bayern and buy everything under the sun. We definitely need to make Huntelaar happen, and if something else works out, excellent, but we weren't that far off the pace with what we had last season. If there isn't a massive drop from what Gomez gave us and what Huntelaar should, then there shouldn't be a massive drop in results. Babbel has almost a whole season under his belt now, lots of our young players should be better after a season's experience. That's how we do things in Stuggitown. Yeah, I'm all for us loosening the purse strings, but let's be realistic.

[Rainer24]

This will be terrible if all you can do this summer is buy Huntelaar. The transfer window will close soon and you need to seal this deal and go after other players because you will be a weaker team with just Huntelaar and no Gomez next season, as I have already explained for Champions League and a repeat of last time will happen. I honestly believe bar him, you need 2 other quality starters in your team but I definitely do not see that happening with the quick speed of which your management buys players.....


Man, not everyone can be Bayern and buy everything under the sun. We definitely need to make Huntelaar happen, and if something else works out, excellent, but we weren't that far off the pace with what we had last season. If there isn't a massive drop from what Gomez gave us and what Huntelaar should, then there shouldn't be a massive drop in results. Babbel has almost a whole season under his belt now, lots of our young players should be better after a season's experience. That's how we do things in Stuggitown. Yeah, I'm all for us loosening the purse strings, but let's be realistic.

[benztown]

Maybe we could get Robben on a loan deal :p

Just kidding. But anyway, I think that we should not be looking for "average" players. That, we should have learned from the past. Either get someone who will really advance the team, or get nobody at all. We have enough young talent to develop the next stars ourself.

I mean I really don't see the need for us to desperately sign anyone besides a top striker. If anything we could do with a left fullback, but even there, it would be very expensive to improve our team.

Someone for the left flank would be nice as well, but again I'd rather see Gebhart getting some serious time on the field than signing some 30 year old for €5m from some minor league. Or let Rudy have some playing time.

Ultimately, I think we should generally do one of two things: Either get some proven talent and spend some serious money there, or play young prospects. That should be our transfer policy going forward and that's what seems to be going on right now, with Celozzi and Schwarz on the one hand, and Huntelaar (I hope) on the other hand.

[Rainer24]

I will be pretty satisfied if we just sign Huntelaar. We need help at fullback, but only in the sense that the guys we have there are good, if very young players. Gebhart has shown a lot of potential and did pretty well in his first half season in the BL1. I want us to keep playing these young guys, because that is our identity, what we do. I didn't sign on to be yet another Bayern fan. That said, the few purchases we have maid in the recent years have either been ridiculous or wholly lacking in ambition. A signing like Huntelaar would signal a bit of a change there. Not a complete divergence from our way of doing things, but the willingness to take the next step. We didn't strengthen at all after 06-07, really, and we kind of plateaued, but I think we are a position to move up a bit.

[footyfan1]

Man, not everyone can be Bayern and buy everything under the sun. We definitely need to make Huntelaar happen, and if something else works out, excellent, but we weren't that far off the pace with what we had last season. If there isn't a massive drop from what Gomez gave us and what Huntelaar should, then there shouldn't be a massive drop in results. Babbel has almost a whole season under his belt now, lots of our young players should be better after a season's experience. That's how we do things in Stuggitown. Yeah, I'm all for us loosening the purse strings, but let's be realistic.


Good comments. But you have to understand where EQ is coming from.

EQ probably doesn't give a rat's ass about VfB as a club.

I think he only cares that you guys do well in Europe to raise Germany's coefficient ranking.

[kaiser kraut]

I enjoy the excitement surrounding the development of our young players into budding stars. The difficulty is getting them on the field and having them figure some things out the hard way and maintaining a balance with veterans that they're able to learn from and receive proper leadership from. If we go too young in too many positions, I think we'd slip backwards in all likelihood.

As said earlier, I have no desire to become a BM type team who focused on bringing in people who've already developed and emerged with different clubs, there's no heart, no connection, no bond with those guys unless they stay long enough to create one. I don't like bands of mercenaries. In the US, this is why I revile teams like the Yankees.

All that said, I think Huntelaar would be a wise move. However, I'd be a little disappointed if he only played here a season or two and then wanted away to a bigger club. Even if we get a higher transfer fee, I'd like to think we can get good players and retain them for a while. At least Gomez stayed a couple seasons longer than some thought he would, even if he landed at BM, he at least gave it his all while he was here and lengthened that stay beyond what some hoped for.

[kaiser kraut]

Miguel Pardeza says:

"(We) are in very advanced talks with Stuttgart and the best thing to do was to find a solution," Pardeza told Spanish radio.

"I think the player was aware of this and opted to stay in Madrid to see if a final resolution can be found."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=660769&sec=transfers&cc=5901

[footyfan1]

{SNIP}

All that said, I think Huntelaar would be a wise move. However, I'd be a little disappointed if he only played here a season or two and then wanted away to a bigger club.


Then you need to prepare yourself for disappointment. If Stuttgart is where Huntelaar truly wants to be, this deal would be done already.

He's only going to join if a "bigger" club doesn't come for him.

Which as I said before, doesn't really look to happen.

I saw a renewed Tottenham rumor again, but it also looked to be pure speculation.


Even if we get a higher transfer fee, I'd like to think we can get good players and retain them for a while.

You can think that. No one can stop you from thinking that.

But in the case of a "Euro Talent" such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, you'd just be fooling yourself.

You guys are definitely a top five destination in Germany. But when you're talking about a talent that the top clubs in Europe would normally be interested in, you guys are a "fall-back club" in case the others don't come for him.

Which they are not so far.

Again, if Stuttgart is where Huntelaar truly wants to be, this deal would be done already.

The only reason you guys are in this situation is because you're the only ones who were willing to meet Real's inflated value of the kid.

No one would normally pay a price for a striker a club just paid half season ago if they're trying to get rid of him after just half a season.

Word is Huntelaar was hoping AC Milan would come and get him. And they were interested, but not at 20M.

You guys are the only ones desperate enough to pay that price.

So instead of worrying about how long he'll stay, swallow your pride and hope you get your player.

Even if he only stays for a season or two.......

But he's going to have to put up Gomez-like numbers for you guys to recoup that 20M. Let's hope he comes to you guys and he does put up those numbers.

As you said in the part I snipped out, you guys have plenty of home-grown talent who can step in if Huntelaar leaves quickly........



At least Gomez stayed a couple seasons longer than some thought he would, even if he landed at BM, he at least gave it his all while he was here and lengthened that stay beyond what some hoped for.

As far as I remember, he only put Bayern off for one season. Last season. They didn't come after him after his first full season, they did the season after. When he put up the 19 goals.

And Gomez stayed that was only because he was a local boy and loves the club.

You won't get that from a player such as Huntelaar. If he does join VfB, just like Rosicky at Dortmund, van der Vaart at HSV, Diego at Bremen and Ribery at Bayern, Huntelaar will be using VfB as a stepping-stone to the next higher phase of his career.

And there is nothing wrong with that. That's where the Bundesliga is now.

Huntelaar has to see VfB as a major step down, even though his national coach, former Dortmund coach Bert van Marwijk, has told him VfB is a good club to join.

Or else, again, he would have signed already.

I hope that's not hard for you to understand or accept. I'm not trying to be an a-hole here and I think and hope Huntelaar winds up in Stuttgart.

But if he comes out saying he "wanted" to join VfB, he'll be the biggest liar you guys have ever signed.

[Vfbstuttgartfan]

Signs are looking very good...

http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/artikel/511423/


:)


Mitglieder-Versammlung today - surprise presentation perhaps????? ;)

[footyfan1]

Signs are looking very good...

http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/artikel/511423/


:)


Mitglieder-Versammlung today - surprise presentation perhaps????? ;)


Maybe, but could he have flown in without the press getting word??

[kaiser kraut]

I'm talking a bit idealistically, and hoping that in time the reputation for VfB will grow to a point where these deals become easier. I realize that KJH will probably be here a short time, I just think it would suck to overpay for a short stint and then not recoup that investment. I don't have my head in a hole thinking that VfB is KJH's dream destination and I'm not expecting us to lure boat loads of the greatest available talent. I'm just saying that it would be nice, if here and there, we could get an occasional major signing that wants to be here, wants to win it with Stuttgart, and thinks its a good place to be for several years.

I didn't think I had said anything to indicate I need to somehow swallow my price. I'm proud to be a VfB fan and not a glory-hunter following some club that simply splashes money to get results. I'd be thrilled to get Huntelaar, assuming he produces for us and helps earn us some respect in the CL. I'm aware that KJH will likely use this as a stepping stone and leave after a short bit, but it doesn't mean I won't still be disappointed to see another good player leave the club (again, assuming he pans out).

[footyfan1]

I'm talking a bit idealistically, and hoping that in time the reputation for VfB will grow to a point where these deals become easier. I realize that KJH will probably be here a short time, I just think it would suck to overpay for a short stint and then not recoup that investment. I don't have my head in a hole thinking that VfB is KJH's dream destination and I'm not expecting us to lure boat loads of the greatest available talent. I'm just saying that it would be nice, if here and there, we could get an occasional major signing that wants to be here, wants to win it with Stuttgart, and thinks its a good place to be for several years.

And there's nothing wrong with that, nor do I somehow feel you're "wrong" for feeling that way.

However, the fact of the matter is, the only German club with that type standing with international talents is Bayern.

No one else is even close yet. Not VfB, not Schalke, not HSV, not anyone.

That's just fact.



I didn't think I had said anything to indicate I need to somehow swallow my price. I'm proud to be a VfB fan and not a glory-hunter following some club that simply splashes money to get results. I'd be thrilled to get Huntelaar, assuming he produces for us and helps earn us some respect in the CL. I'm aware that KJH will likely use this as a stepping stone and leave after a short bit, but it doesn't mean I won't still be disappointed to see another good player leave the club (again, assuming he pans out).


I think you really need to get over the "glory hunter/splashing money" thing. The only way to be consistently successful in this game these days is through spending money.

How much, is up to each club and its program.

When you build talents, you might catch lightning in a bottle from time to time, but you can bet someone is going to come for those talents and you will start all over again.

Just ask any Ajax fan.

But hell. You might know yourself with the way Kuranyi, Hleb and Gomez have all left.

You seem to be one of the people who wants to hold on to "traditional" ways of the game. And they are gone.

But I'm sure you know this too. If you do, cool.

But appearing to look down your nose at those who do what it takes to win isn't somehow "noble" either.

[kaiser kraut]

I think you really need to get over the "glory hunter/splashing money" thing. The only way to be consistently successful in this game these days is through spending money.

How much, is up to each club and its program.
You make it sound as if spending significant amounts of money is simply a choice some clubs make or don't make. ManU and Barca, who you apparently support, have that prerogative each transfer window, but 98% of the rest of the club do not. Yet you act as if any club that wants to be elite can just do so with an infusion of cash. New owners at City and Chelsea show how quickly things can change with regard to bringing in expensive players, yet how would you suggest that a club like VfB can open the faucet and send the money about?

Is there not something to be admired about a club that doesn't own billions of euros of debt? Is there not something to be said for teams that perform well despite a lack of similar resources? Where would the sponsor, tv, and other revenues come from to pay off these debts if Stuttgart suddenly decided it wanted to spend 80M during a transfer window to fight for league dominance and contention in the CL?

We both know this is all unreasonable, so why do you suggest money is a cure-all when its not there to be had? You develop that business over time, through improvements, through business dealings. Get impatient and you're Leeds, of which Newcastle may also soon emulate through poor business dealings and arrogance.


You seem to be one of the people who wants to hold on to "traditional" ways of the game. And they are gone.

But I'm sure you know this too. If you do, cool.

But appearing to look down your nose at those who do what it takes to win isn't somehow "noble" either.
Please define for me what you mean by "traditional ways of the game".

I don't profess to be noble because my club has less money than other clubs to spend on talent. You set your targets as a fan, those who are above you, those you aspire to beat and surpass. VfB is positioned where I aspire to see us take down a BM type club a notch or two from their pedestal. Remind them that it isn't just about money and spending their way to trophies, but its about having a team, people that play with pride and heart and for the badge on their shirts. That's what makes VfB's success (and Columbus Crew's success) even sweeter as a fan. Defying the odds, sticking it to the man, taking that spotlight for yourselves for a few minutes to show the world that there are other clubs out there than can put on the best show and the most beautiful games. Is this what you mean by traditional ways? Maybe it's a bit different for folks who are started off with the ManUs and Barcas of the world as their clubs. Maybe the fans at Milan or Madrid don't get it because its been so long since they've been in these shoes.

You can judge me if you want, but it won't change my passion for my teams and my hopes that they'll surprise people and occasionally earn a bit of glory.

[berloha]

Miguel Pardeza says:

"(We) are in very advanced talks with Stuttgart and the best thing to do was to find a solution," Pardeza told Spanish radio.

"I think the player was aware of this and opted to stay in Madrid to see if a final resolution can be found."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=660769&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Agent said, the clubs have agreed a deal, but not Huntelaar and Stuttgart.

I predict he waits for other options.