Rieder and Stergiou at VfB – first patience, then hope for Real and San Siro

Rieder wants Real, Stergiou wants Milan

Perhaps the Stuttgart team could survive Barcelona’s draw in this campaign. If Fabian Rieder had his way, his rival would be the favorite opponent. “Real Madrid is definitely one of the coolest things to play against the big stars,” enthuses the 22-year-old.

On the other hand, Leonidas Stergiou would not mind a trip to Italy: “It has been a dream of mine for a long time to play against Milan at San Siro.

First, patience is required

For both Rieder and Stergiou, the “premier class” is still far away, not only in terms of time (first game day 17 September-19). As the two Nati players started preparing for VfB late due to their participation in the European Championship and were not yet first choice in the Supercup against Leverkusen last weekend.

I didn’t always get a chance.

Stergiou was not even in the team due to a back injury. According to his own information, the defendant will be out for another 2 to 3 weeks. Rieder was on the bench, but was not used yet. The next opportunity for a competitive tournament comes next Saturday at the start of the Bundesliga in Freiburg.

The two Swiss still have to be patient. While Stergiou has already completed a season in Swabia, Stuttgart is a fresh start for Rieder after his rather unsuccessful trip to Rennes.

Rieder is low in Rennes, high in the Nati

“It was a difficult year,” reflects Rieder, who was also reduced by injuries and did not always feel the coach’s trust. “I didn’t always get a chance. ”

Things were different in the national team. There his achievements were rewarded with an appearance in the starting eleven. “I am Muri (Trainer Nati Murat Yakin, Anm. d. Red.) very grateful. That motivated me to move here.”

Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness also thinks highly of Rieder, as he said despite only working together for a short time. That is why it is clear to Rieder, even if he is still a little behind in training and not yet at 100 percent: “It will be a good season for me and for the team.”

These will certainly be magical nights in front of this backdrop here in Stuttgart.

Stergiou already showed patience last season when he had to play at the back and was able to fight for a regular place towards the end of the season. “Of course every footballer always wants to play from the beginning. But I learned a lot during this time.”

In the last games he was able to contribute to Stuttgart’s great season, “I am very happy about that.” And as soon as he recovers from his injury, he will start the fight again and he looks forward to the main class: “It will definitely be magical nights in front of the back – this area here in Stuttgart.