Martin Harnik and Vedad Ibisevic spoke to Stuttgart's official website ahead of the coming campaign; both felt the new season would go better than the last, especially with Armin Veh at the helm.
Martin Harnik and Vedad Ibisevic on; the fans.
Harnik: "We spoke about the past year, during which the demands both of the fans and of ourselves were rarely fulfilled. Such discussions are really good to help us make it clear to the fans that such disappointments really affect us too. Basically we can sensitise the fans in relation to our expectations, and vice-versa."
Ibisevic: "That’s true. We had some good conversations and it was interesting to hear what they think. The fans that I spoke to see everything very realistically and they are 100% behind the team."
Martin Harnik on; Armin Veh.
"Very good! He is very level-headed in his approach and just oozes a calmness. Aside from that, he is not carrying any baggage in relation to the championship win and lack of success last season – he just wants everything done better now. He is relaxed, which is good for us and aids the good atmosphere within the team."
Martin Harnik on; pre-season.
"During the pre-season preparations, there is not so much pressure, aside from the fact that everyone wants to win a place in the team. But we will only really see how well we have pulled together and how much we have learned from the past season when things get going again and when we’ve had to deal with some setbacks. Then the decisive factor will be just how well the team mutually provides support for one another."
Vedad Ibisevic on; his birthday and a new contract.
"That’s true – but I can promise the lads who are under 30 have nothing to feat (laughing). Following what was a very difficult past season, in summer I of course took the time to think about what I should do. I had a lot of negative things going on in my head, but with the World Cup and a holiday, a lot of that was evened out. It was very important for me to feel I had the trust of VfB."
Vedad Ibisevic on; Veh's role in his extension and his philosophy.
"He was very important. I had some very good conversations with him but even before that, I could feel there was a better atmosphere and a more positive energy within the team. I hope the experience of last season helps. Yes I like it (on his philosophy), because that provides a lot of possibilities for a striker. First and foremost it’s of course about the team as a whole, but it’s good to have a trainer with an attacking style."
Vedad Ibisevic on; his confidence ahead of the news season.
"The trainer, the atmosphere, the team – the combination is what makes it! The demands are on each one of us – starting with me! I also hope that we have matured as a team and that we can better implement our intentions."
Vedad Ibisevic on; Stuttgart and Germany's togetherness.
"Yes, the team has moved closer together. We know that we need each other, that the season is long and that everyone can, and should, do their part for the team. In this regard, we are stronger than we ever were in the past season. The German national team was, in this respect, a good example. The team showed what is necessary for a football to celebrate successes - and that with absolute team spirit, so that all players are 100% and no one is angry or by themselves. That was impressive."
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