GOAL, citing Sport Bild, reported that VfB Stuttgart will apparently ban players from driving their private cars onto the club's premises in future, and that breaches could bring substantial fines. Sporting management also want the players to focus on success on the pitch.
Written instructions and car policy
GOAL reported that players reportedly received written instructions in October and face substantial fines if they fail to comply. GOAL reported that luxury cars including a red Ferrari, a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a purple McLaren would have to make way for company cars from Mercedes and Porsche, with no exceptions.
Shareholders and club management
Mercedes and Porsche each hold slightly more than 10 per cent of the shares. GOAL reported that Mercedes and Porsche are said to want greater representation. Sporting management, including managing director Alexander Wehrle, board member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth and sporting director Christian Gentner, also want the players to focus on success on the pitch.
Results and internal assessment
Stuttgart have 6 points from 6 Bundesliga matches. Stuttgart have 7 points in the Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. Stuttgart lost 1-0 against HSV. GOAL reported that Monday's regular supervisory board meeting included an initial interim assessment. GOAL reported that there is general agreement that the two weeks after the international break were a step in the right direction. GOAL reported that the VfB bosses are confident that success will return in the day-to-day business of the league too.
Changes on the training pitch
GOAL reported that coach Sebastian Hoeneß has tightened the reins on the training pitch. GOAL reported that sessions now run longer and are considerably more intense. GOAL reported that daily drills include diagonal runs across the entire pitch without the ball and numerous one-on-one challenges. GOAL reported that Hoeneß now points out individual mistakes in front of the entire squad, rather than in one-to-one conversations as before. GOAL reported that Hoeneß has warned that no regular starting place is safe any more.