Waldemar Anton already watched the first legs of FC Bayern and BVB in the Champions League quarter-finals last week. Part 2 should follow today. An object lesson for Stuttgart’s defense chief, who is even targeting runner-up in the league with VfB.
Wants to push FC Bayern out of second place: Waldemar Anton. IMAGO/Jan Huebner
He is not the first, not the only and certainly won’t be the last, to feel a shiver down his spine when he hears the Champions League anthem before every premier class game. Also in the previous week, when Anton enthusiastically watched the games of the German record champions in London against Arsenal (2:2) and Borussia Dortmund at Atletico in Madrid (1:2) on TV.
“A dream for every player,” says the 28-year-old, calling the premier class. “To be involved in a competitive game with the best teams in Europe is a very, very big goal for many players.” The fact that Stuttgart, third in the table, is seven points ahead of their pursuers Dortmund and Leipzig, who also meet directly, is within reach.
Football at the highest level is on offer when the leaders of top European football duel. “Incredible games, it goes back and forth. Every mistake is punished. That’s how football is at such a level,” says Anton, who wants to be involved with VfB in the coming season. Third place would already qualify for this.
But Anton’s ambition knows no limits. Even if the VfB captain recommends himself and his colleagues to “take it from game to game”. It could be a little more. “We want to stay where we are for now. But if more is possible, we will of course take more.” Which would require FC Bayern to be pushed out of second place.
It’s an attractive thought, especially given the fact that we still have a score to settle with the record champions from 0:3 in the first half of the season. The surprise team from the Neckar had no chance against any other opponent over 90 minutes this season. The second duel on matchday 32 offers the chance for revenge and possibly the hoped-for overtaking. “Second place is of course a goal,” said Anton. “If the opportunity exists, we obviously want to take it.”
Vice champion is not an official title. And yet reaching second place could lead to one thing: If champions Bayer Leverkusen also become cup winners, Stuttgart will be allowed to play for the DFL Supercup. For the first time since the last championship in 2007, the traditional club would have the prospect of being immortalized in league history.
2024-04-16 14:32:59
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