Babbel: This is just the start

November 1, 2009

Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel insists there is still a lot of work to do even if his job seems a little safer after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich.

Babbel’s future charge of the Swabians has been in much doubt, not least since they crashed out of the DFB-Pokal in midweek to second-division opposition.

But holding Bayern to a draw is an achievement which should at least quell the rumours surrounding his position for a few days.

“Of course I am not so happy that I can say this was the turning point, but I must compliment my team for fighting against one of the best teams in Europe,” he said.

“But we have now got to pay particular attention and not make everything out to be so positive.”

Stuttgart now need to show a similar performance against another of Europe’s leading clubs, Sevilla, in the Champions League in midweek to revive their hopes of reaching the second round of that competition.

“We have got to take the positives from this game with us to Seville,” said midfielder Roberto Hilbert on the club’s official website.

Bayern Munich also have a crucial Champions League fixture on the horizon and a repeat of this result against Bordeaux on Tuesday would severely jeopardise their hopes of reaching the second round.

“We have got to win against Bordeaux, otherwise it is going to be hard to go through,” admitted general manager Uli Hoeness.

“We have high expectations in the Champions League, therefore I am a bit nervous.”

Abhimanyu Rajput

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