Gentleman Meets Coach Volcano: Hoeneß Challenges Simeone

Between VfB Stuttgart and Atlético Madrid there is also an exciting duel on the sidelines in the Champions League. How much "dirty bag" mentality is in the VfB? When Diego Simeone debuted as a coach at Atlético Madrid in January 2012, Sebastian Hoeneß was coaching the A-juniors of the Berlin football club Hertha 03 Zehlendorf. On Tuesday (21.00 clock live in the audio stream on Sportschau.de) Hoeneß and VfB Stuttgart now compete on the very big stage with Simeone and his madrilenes. The game against the top Spanish club will be the biggest challenge for the Swabians in the Champions League season so far. A real hardness and maturity test. Also for Hoeß. “This will certainly be great for all of us, for VfB, for the region,” said the 44-year-old before the duel with the table runner-up of the Spanish league. It is already noticeable that a game is coming here that you are particularly looking forward to. A game that seemed unthinkable for the city and the region for a long time. And now we can play it. Third victory in the third game for VfB Stuttgart? After the victories against Viking Stavanger (3:1) and Slovan Bratislava (3:0) in the first games of the league phase, a success over Atlético would be a huge milestone on the way to the knockout round. An opponent of this caliber have beaten the Stuttgart under Hoeneß in the premier class only once: In October 2024 they won 1-0 at Juventus Turin. Every point you score against these teams is bonus points. And that's also a very good reason to be lit tomorrow. “In any case, a lot of athleticism, duel behavior and physicality will come to us,” said VfB sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth. Atlético performs "very male". Which means: aggressive and ripped off. This has been known by the Madrilenes for years. Those who compete against the Rojiblancos (in English: the Red-White) should be able to get involved as well as distribute - and not be taken out of the concept by possible provocations. Diego Simeone meanders between genius and madness VfB Stuttgart against Atlético. It is also an exciting duel on the sidelines. Here's Hoeness, the gentleman. There Simeone, that coach volcano. For almost 15 years, the former Argentine national player has been caring for the Madrilenes, for whom he once stood on the lawn, now. He has led the Spaniards to two championship titles during this time - and twice to the final of the Champions League, in which they drew the shorter against city rival Real. This season, the final of the premier class rises in the Estadio Metropolitano, home of the Rojiblancos. Nothing drives Simeone and his team more than to fulfill the year-long dream of the title. Hardly any coach in top European football embodies the fine line between genius and madness as the 56-year-old Simeone. Again and again he plays with tactical sophistication also the almost overpowering Spanish rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. VfB Stuttgart must "stand up and keep a cool head" Again and again he provides with his spirited nature but also for discussions. Referees, opponents or their own team. "Of course I know what they mean," said Hoeneß. But there can’t be two opinions about the assessment of his career. As a coach, he has his style that accompanied him on his way. This fire, this passion, which does not become less with time. That is enormous. Therefore, the utmost respect. This is the highest category for me. However, Hoeneß can assume that Simeone will keep everyone on their toes in Stuttgart and will do his meters in the coaching zone. This also applies to its players. Against the defensive Atlético, it is now likely increasingly important to combine attractiveness with aggressiveness. “Stay up and keep a cool head,” as Hoeneß says. “If you just try to level emotionally aggressively and lose your head in the process, it will have an impact.” Did VfB Stuttgart learn from the Porto game? A certain "dirty bag" mentality had been missing the VfB Stuttgart in the spring, said striker Ermedin Demirovic as the Stuttgarter failed in the final of the Europa League at FC Porto. About six months later, it could be about "masculinity in an even sharper form" than against the Portuguese, said Sportchef Wohlgemuth. A real hardness and maturity test. Also for Hoeneß: We have gathered some experience - very probably not as many as the guys on the other side, but we have our experience. And we must put these experiences in the balance tomorrow. Hoeneß himself is something like the emotional counter-design to Diego Simeone. The beginnings of his coaching career in the Berlin junior generation go back a long time. The VfB coach has made a remarkable development since the Bundesliga premiere at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the summer of 2020. Since taking office three and a half years ago, he has shaped the Stuttgart team from a fast relegation to a top team, even making it a cup winner in 2025. His smart style is often reflected in the playing style of his team. Nevertheless, he wants to strike Altético on Tuesday with his own weapons: We want to show them that we can also ignite energy and fire. We look forward to that