VfB Stuttgart - Reds aim high

Schneider sacked by Stuttgart board

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Thomas Schneider at his farewell press conference

Just after some training sessions with the VfB Stuttgart's senior team, the 41-year old Thomas Schneider was sacked by VfB Stuttgart board of directors because of some of his financial demands for the new season.

At first, the former Stuttgart youth coach was confirmed to be the senior manager for the season, but probably the low termination costs made the Stuttgart chairman Berndt Wahlerer fire him after not agreeing with his demands.

After this morning's training, Schneider had a press conference, a shocking one for Stuttgart fans for sure.

"I'm out of this project. I'm sad and the fans know that - I love this club. That's the life sometimes, I got to get over it and to find myself a new job. It was a nice period here but now I don't think here still exists time for me."

Thomas Schneider, born 24 November 1972, is a German professional football manager and former defender. In his footballer career Schneider played a total of 133 games for VfB Stuttgart, scoring 7 goals.

In 2007 Schneider took up the coaching of the under-19 team of Bayernliga side FC Dingolfing, and managed the first-team for the 2009–10 season. After attending the Hennes Weisweiler coaching academy in Cologne, he returned to VfB Stuttgart in 2011, to coach the club's under-17 side.

Former Stuttgart legend in die Schwaben takeover

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Maurizio Gaudino in 2011

Days after Berndt Wahlerer anounced that Thomas Schneider is no longer the Stuttgart manager, the 46-year old Maurizio Gaudino signed a contract at Mercedes-Benz Arena for one year.

Maurizio Gaudino, born 12 December 1966 in Brühl, West Germany, is a retired German football midfielder.

He was capped five times for Germany in 1993 and 1994, and was in their squad for the 1994 World Cup and he is considered a legend for VfB Stuttgart.

Gaudino played 294 Bundesliga games for Waldhof Mannheim, VfB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Bochum. He won the league title with Stuttgart in 1992. He also helped them to the 1989 UEFA Cup Final and got himself on the scoresheet in the first leg, although they ultimately lost to a Diego Maradona inspired Napoli.

Today, Gaudino had his first press conference after Reds takeover, looking extremely optimistic.

"When the phone rang I felt something - Everybody knows what Stuttgart means for me. I will try to make everything in my power to throw this team to the top.

The 1989 Final performance is possible again, this is my objective: to fell what I have felt that night."

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Gaudino playing for VfB Stuttgart in 1992

Also, the Stuttgart chairman Berndt Wahler had only good words about Gaudino.

"We were looking for a great manager and we signed him. It doesn't have any importance if he dind't managed any team before - He will do great because of his love for the club.

Also, he liked to keep the current staff and that's a decision I respect at all. I put all my faith on him and I'm sure that he'll do well.

We're having a friendlies campaign in front and Maurizio will prove his qualities in these matches!"