Traps time is over...

[Timonator]

OK I don't even know where to start, but it's a chaos situation in Stuttgart right now.

Yesterday there was a TV show with our manager Herbert Briem and he didn't talk about Trap as if he would stand behind him. He knows something more and I think Trap will leave.

It's obviously that some player don't understand him or don't want to understand him. Our last great win was against Schalke last season (3:0) and since then I haven't seen 1 game were we really dominated a game (maybe the HSV game, but that's it) and where we were the better team.

We play without passion. I have the feeling the player are scared, don't know how to play Traps system, they can't even pass right atm. I stopped counting after 50 wrong passes. Everything does so not fit together...it scares me.

So I'm asking...where is the problem?

Is it the pressure of the fans? Was it wrong to fire Sammer? Made our management a mistake, in letting the individual coaches buy the player they want? Is it only a head problem of the player? Can't they face all the pressure? Was it wrong to let Hleb go? Why didn't we buy a good AM?

So many questions it drives me crazy :(


And NOW I'm scared that this will happen:

Timo will leave in Januray :(

Today's "Kicker" reports that his agent is searching for a new club. Both, Trap and Timo didn't have a good start, b/c Trap didn't want Ebo Trautner (he coached Timo since he was 16 years old) and he sent him to the vfb-amateurs. Timo didn't want that and he asked Trap if it's possible for Ebo to stay. Trap freaked out and told Timo that he can search himself a new club!!!

I know that Ebo and Timo have a deep relationship to each other...he always believed in him and is one of his best friends here.

In this situation, Staudt our club president, talked to both and Timo stayed. No one knew that it was so serious.

Today we have almost the same situation. Timo is our best player this season, and I don't know how many times he safed us, but still got 2 or more goals. He's the only one who, screams and pushes his team mates...he shows passion and emotion. The likes of Hinkel are hiding and don't even want to have the ball!

However, after the Gladbach game Premiere interviewed an angry, helpless and disappointed Timo. He critizised Trap, in a ironic kind of way. He said how bad the game was, but "maybe" the coach sees it in a different way. That he sees no development, the player don't know what to do and are lost on the pitch. He said some more things, but I don't remember exactly.

He is the only one who's critizising...we don't have any other leader in the team. Soldos opinion about Trap isn't the best since he put him on the bench against köln. Meisner is always injured and the other player are hiding.

he sounded like he want to send out a cry for help.

It's no wonder. It's frustrating to see my club going down that way (Timo feels the same way)

The CL in 2003 was lucky for us, nothing more (thx to dumb BvB) and I saw many fantastic CL perfomances (2:1 against Manu) it was a great time, but now when I look back I have to blame our management for the current situation. Player left and we didn't replace them 1:1 (Ballakov & Hleb)

Timo extended his contract b/c he thought he can reach something big with this club, but the only thing he gets now are stabs in his back :(

He is the only player with Meira, Delpierre and Mangin who always give 100% for the club.

He said many things after the Gladbach game, and now I even expact that he'll sit on the bench against Stade Rennes...maybe he'll leave in Januray and to tell you the truth...I can't blame him :(

I was optimistic until a certain point, but that's over now, can't be optimistic anymore.

well, only my 2 cents...written by a Timo who lost his positivness :(

Now they talk about Traps successor...

[Mertesacker]

:(

[Timonator]

Should add, that I know that player leave, solidarity doesn't exist anymore...blabla...but i never wanted him to leave in that way :(

[Valmiki]

I saw the game too Timo.
Stuttgart did not look good, and seemed to lack attacking ideas. Even when guys like Gomez got in good positions they was a lack of support. I was dissappointed with Hinkel's defending on the right, Borussia had a lot of success on that side.

And yes several unforced errors and careless passes. Stuttgart were lucky to get a point out of that match.

Maybe Trapatoni's tactics are better suited to Series A.

[Timonator]

at the moment, Trap and VfB are a huge "mistake".

these player need a coach like Doll...one who can bring them the fun back...and the passion. don't think trap can do that, due to his lack of the german language.

I believed so hard in him and now everything is even worse :ninja :( The only positve thing I see is that we're only 4 or 5 points away from an Uefa-cup spot!

[max morlock]

My opinion:

I think Timo was a disgrace last year.His basically said he was staying at Stuttgart because no other club made an offer.That is hardly going to improve club spirit and team morale.

Also with losing the likes of Magath, Bordon and Kuranyi Stuttgart have to realise that they are not one of the top teams in Germany.Sometimes VFB live in a dream world.

[Gerry_BMG]

Of course you will know better Timo, but for me the players are fed up with Trappatonis style. He tries new formations doesnt listen to players like Soldo or Hildebrandt when it comes to team-matters. To tell you the truth if I was Hildebrandt I would be pissed too. Hildebrandt will probably thinks that Trap only brings his own gk-coach because he is his friend/knows him for years, and not because it will make Hildebrandt better; in fact if Hildebrandt thinks that way, his proformances will only suffer due to lack of motivation.

Well I dont really know if thats the case but I would think so.

You hear often that coaches have to be communicative in modern days and consider the opinions of the players. I think Trap acts like a despot and thats why there is no good conditions for a good collaboration. Also his speech is a big barrier, no one can argue with that. When I see interviews of him in german I can think how players will react to it if the situation is as tense as it is currently.

But the error was made by the management. Stuttgart was euphoric after Maggath. I dont know if this euphoria suffered under Sammer due to the way Stuttgart played but how can the management select Trappatoni as a new coach? I dont say it now because it looks like it wont work out I said it the day Trap was presented. All his life he was successful with playing defenisve. So either he plays defenisive or he changes his mind and let the team play offensive. Either way it is a gamble. Can Trap be an "offenisve-coach"? And the other way. Will the team and especially the fans accept the new defensive-strategy?

I dont think it has to do with the new players. Ok, they need adjustment but if the team would function they would be able to play decent football nevertheless.

I dont like to see Stuttgart going down. They are easily throwing their hard-earned symphathies out of the window. And that is a process Stuttgart might suffer from in the years to come, by turning into a "graue maus".

I hope it wont turn out that way. If Trap will get fired soon or - what I dont think - the situation turns around under Trap it is still not to late. Do you think Stuttgart can/will fire before the winter-break? I dont exactly see that.

Just how I see it from a "distance". When you, Timo "the positive", loose your positiveness the situation must be horrible. Stay positive buddy, there will come better times. See Gladbach, a few gamedays back we were facing a season-long battle for relegation and now we are 5th (of course its still a long way). And I think when Trap leaves, Hildebrandt will stay.

[Timonator]

My opinion:

I think Timo was a disgrace last year.His basically said he was staying at Stuttgart because no other club made an offer.That is hardly going to improve club spirit and team morale.

Also with losing the likes of Magath, Bordon and Kuranyi Stuttgart have to realise that they are not one of the top teams in Germany.Sometimes VFB live in a dream world.


Have to disagree. He had offers from clubs abroad, even the president said it...but he stayed b/c he believed in the club and he thought he could achieve something here, but basiclly he stayed b/c he plays now more than 10 years here. I know some "insider" and many of his friends. The likes of Manchester & co. were interested in him.

[max morlock]

You have to be positive...they are still in the mid table and have not lost that many games.Tomasson and Gronkjaer are good players-and Cacau will be good when he gets fit.
Hinkel needs to get his form back soon or his career will be over.
Delpierre looks a good player.

I can see them firing after the winter break and getitng in the top 6 for sure.
It was always going to be difficult with losing the likes of Hleb and Kuranyi.
I don't think Sammer should have been allowed to leave.
Trap was a poor choice-he is an old man in a young coaches world.

Still you might get Hitzfeld in future-didn't he play for VFB ?

[Timonator]

Of course you will know better Timo, but for me the players are fed up with Trappatonis style. He tries new formations doesnt listen to players like Soldo or Hildebrandt when it comes to team-matters. To tell you the truth if I was Hildebrandt I would be pissed too. Hildebrandt will probably thinks that Trap only brings his own gk-coach because he is his friend/knows him for years, and not because it will make Hildebrandt better; in fact if Hildebrandt thinks that way, his proformances will only suffer due to lack of motivation.

Absolutely right Gerry!

Well I dont really know if thats the case but I would think so.

You hear often that coaches have to be communicative in modern days and consider the opinions of the players. I think Trap acts like a despot and thats why there is no good conditions for a good collaboration. Also his speech is a big barrier, no one can argue with that. When I see interviews of him in german I can think how players will react to it if the situation is as tense as it is currently.

right again.

But the error was made by the management. Stuttgart was euphoric after Maggath. I dont know if this euphoria suffered under Sammer due to the way Stuttgart played but how can the management select Trappatoni as a new coach? I dont say it now because it looks like it wont work out I said it the day Trap was presented. All his life he was successful with playing defenisve. So either he plays defenisive or he changes his mind and let the team play offensive. Either way it is a gamble. Can Trap be an "offenisve-coach"? And the other way. Will the team and especially the fans accept the new defensive-strategy?

Right again, I blame 90% our management. and how can they select Trappatoni? I guess they wanted to show the people what they want: Titles, Cups...without thinking if Trap suits to Stuttgart or not :rolleyes:

I dont think it has to do with the new players. Ok, they need adjustment but if the team would function they would be able to play decent football nevertheless.

Agree again.

I dont like to see Stuttgart going down. They are easily throwing their hard-earned symphathies out of the window. And that is a process Stuttgart might suffer from in the years to come, by turning into a "graue maus".

Don't like it too...actually...it breaks my heart :(


I hope it wont turn out that way. If Trap will get fired soon or - what I dont think - the situation turns around under Trap it is still not to late. Do you think Stuttgart can/will fire before the winter-break? I dont exactly see that.


Well, who knows. In football anything is possible, but...really...at the moment I don't see it either.


Just how I see it from a "distance". When you, Timo "the positive", loose your positiveness the situation must be horrible. Stay positive buddy, there will come better times. See Gladbach, a few gamedays back we were facing a season-long battle for relegation and now we are 5th (of course its still a long way). And I think when Trap leaves, Hildebrandt will stay.


I'm happy for Gladbach, they deserve to be up there and they showed me some great combination in the Gottlieb-Daymler Stadion! Haven't seen that in long time! Your fans really entertained me too.


Gerry thank you for this post. It gave my face a smile, b/c you are totally right with everything! I agree with your whole post, you see the situation pretty well.

The situation is horrible and it takes a lot to make me think negative. I'll try to see the future positive and I just hope that my beloved club isn't going down and that Timo will think about a move. I know where his heart is. I can tell you it's not easy for him too...he suffers like I do...and like the real fans do.

[Timonator]

You have to be positive...they are still in the mid table and have not lost that many games.Tomasson and Gronkjaer are good players-and Cacau will be good when he gets fit.
Hinkel needs to get his form back soon or his career will be over.
Delpierre looks a good player.

I can see them firing after the winter break and getitng in the top 6 for sure.
It was always going to be difficult with losing the likes of Hleb and Kuranyi.
I don't think Sammer should have been allowed to leave.
Trap was a poor choice-he is an old man in a young coaches world.

Still you might get Hitzfeld in future-didn't he play for VFB ?

Yes he played for us :USA_Blue but only 2 years i think.

Delpierre started to play very constantly. I hope he goes on like that.

[Gerry_BMG]

Gerry thank you for this post. It gave my face a smile, b/c you are totally right with everything! I agree with your whole post, you see the situation pretty well.

The situation is horrible and it takes a lot to make me think negative. I'll try to see the future positive and I just hope that my beloved club isn't going down and that Timo will think about a move. I know where his heart is. I can tell you it's not easy for him too...he suffers like I do...and like the real fans do.

I am glad to hear that you cheered up.

Well all you can do is wait and hope for the best. But I think you can cheer yourself up when you think about Leverkusen. They have Skibbe now! And that is IMO a lot worse than the Stuttgart situation. :drinkbeer

[Schwalker]

Well, obviously Traps and VfB have had a bumpy start but if...and I say if! Traps get the boot he must be replaced by someone that can rally the team. Not necessarily a top coach or even a very good coach, take our Rangnick for example...
He ain´t a very good coach in my opinion but he turned us around last year and took us from a relegation spot to second place.

How?

Not by being some kind of tactical genius or even a visionary coach (By no means!), but simply by listening to the coreplayers, the players that have a leading role in the club, the players that can kick some ass in the dressing room.

Sometimes it´s as simple as that..So I think VfB could try one of the younger coaches, maybe someone from a smaller club that might relish the chance of turning the ship?

[Timonator]

lol
but I'm a little bit scared that Brehme will be our next......coach :ninja

I don't want any Brehme's, Matthäus' or Neururers!!!

All i want is a coach, where i can see a clear line, a coach who can fill the empty tanks of the player with passion...who brings in the fun again. Someone who understands the players problems, fears...etc. a guy like Doll. Have you ever seen our player in a circle at the beginning of a game?! there's no teamspirit, at least in some parts of the team.


Anyway, what do you think about Klopp??? I mean he is a 100% Stuttgarter! And he knows how to motivate a team. Don't know if he'd be the right guy for us :huh:
sometimes I think this team is untrainable! 3 coaches in 2 years is a lot...

[ACBerb]

Timo I say Hitzfeld! Lets face it he needs a third Bundesliga club to CL with, I can't think of a better choice then Stuttgart!:drinkbeer

[Timonator]

Well, obviously Traps and VfB have had a bumpy start but if...and I say if! Traps get the boot he must be replaced by someone that can rally the team. Not necessarily a top coach or even a very good coach, take our Rangnick for example...
He ain´t a very good coach in my opinion but he turned us around last year and took us from a relegation spot to second place.

How?

Not by being some kind of tactical genius or even a visionary coach (By no means!), but simply by listening to the coreplayers, the players that have a leading role in the club, the players that can kick some ass in the dressing room.

Sometimes it´s as simple as that..So I think VfB could try one of the younger coaches, maybe someone from a smaller club that might relish the chance of turning the ship?

Schwal you stole my thoughts! :laugh I agree with you.

We only have more problems now with Hildebrand and Soldo beeing pissed, b/c Trap doesn't want to compromise.

I just don't understand why he's rotating all the time. It's nice that he wants to give HInkel a chance but not if he needs like 100 chances! Magnin played great in the last games, BUT Trap puts Gerber! in the starting 11. i simply don't understand...atm we need every point, there's no time for rotation. He can't press HIS system on a team, he needs to find the perfect system for them.

[Timonator]

Timo I say Hitzfeld! Lets face it he needs a third Bundesliga club to CL with, I can't think of a better choice then Stuttgart!:drinkbeer

I don't know if he'd want to come, AL. Hitzfeld doesn't want to end up like Trap. Me thinks he's more keen on the NT-job.

[Gerry_BMG]

Hitzfeld will never take over at Stuttgart. Hitzfeld will only take over one of the biggest clubs in europe or the German NT

[Lindsey]

I've seen it before... a coach who is so "set in stone" with his own plan, that he stifles the strengths of his players. A good coach can read his/her players and build a style that suits their strengths. No system is perfect that isn't open to change, and just coming into a team and saying, "this is how we're going to play," without being flexible or open minded to understanding what changes need to be made is certain death to the freedom and flow that is unleashed when a team is given the chance to play their game.

Bottom line and talent aside, a good manager gets the most out of his/her players.

[hugofmatos]

bah...he was lucky last year as benfica had a great team.

[DvA]

trap really sucks, thank god he left us

[The Southern Dandy]

Cheer up Timo. At least Bobic never signed for Stuttgart again. We did you guys a favour. ;)

[max morlock]

Yeah Timo cheer up-it could be worse..you could be a Leverkusen fan....

[Gerry_BMG]

Cheer up Timo. At least Bobic never signed for Stuttgart again. We did you guys a favour. ;)
But the threat of signing him is there. Bobic still looks for a new club and Stuttgart is his "home-club". Nevertheless Timo... Stay positive even if Fredi will be signed and will destroy your flashlights and your new Mega-Flat-Screens in the Stadium with some unintended vicious shots...