In 1977, a hero was born. But he wouldn't realise this until much, much later. Born near the Stiftskirche Church in Stuttgart, Christoph Williams was born to a German father and a English mother. From a young age, he was taught that there was only one team in Germany, and that was VfB Stuttgart. His father was a lifelong fan, and instantly instilled this onto his son. After spending his early years in Stuttgart, Christoph and his family moved to England in 1986, where Christoph's love for football blossomed.
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He watched a few different teams, but ultimately fell for Liverpool. Little did he know, a chance encounter in 1995 would lead to him signing for the club. After a few years in the youth teams, he had his debut in an FA Cup match. This would be the start of a glittering career with Liverpool, in which he played a big part in the famous treble in 2001, as well as scoring key goals in the 2005 Champions League final and 2006 FA Cup final, and making several appearances for the German national side. Despite his heroics, Rafa Benitez preferred younger, more physical players. This, plus injuries, meant that after playing just twice between August and December of 2006, Christoph moved to Stuttgart on a loan deal until the end of the season. It was here, his homeland, his beloved team where he hit true form. 14 goals between January and the end of the season, including a goal in the game which sent the title to Stuttgart, made him a hero in those parts, and despite several attempts from Benitez to convince him to stay at Liverpool and extend his contract, Christoph's mind was made up. In August 2007, he moved to Stuttgart on a free transfer. His time at the club wasn't as successful as at Liverpool, but his love and passion for his club made him a popular figure amongst the fans.
But alas, injuries again plagued him and after falling out of favour once again, he decided to call time on his playing career in 2014 at the age of 37. He then spent 2 years as a coach at Stuttgart II, earning his coaching badges and learning the trade. Then, in 2016 the moment came.
Christoph Williams was appointed Stuttgart manager on a 1 year deal, tasked with taking the club back to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking and restoring the club to former glories. Could he do it? There's only one way to find out!
He watched a few different teams, but ultimately fell for Liverpool. Little did he know, a chance encounter in 1995 would lead to him signing for the club. After a few years in the youth teams, he had his debut in an FA Cup match. This would be the start of a glittering career with Liverpool, in which he played a big part in the famous treble in 2001, as well as scoring key goals in the 2005 Champions League final and 2006 FA Cup final, and making several appearances for the German national side. Despite his heroics, Rafa Benitez preferred younger, more physical players. This, plus injuries, meant that after playing just twice between August and December of 2006, Christoph moved to Stuttgart on a loan deal until the end of the season. It was here, his homeland, his beloved team where he hit true form. 14 goals between January and the end of the season, including a goal in the game which sent the title to Stuttgart, made him a hero in those parts, and despite several attempts from Benitez to convince him to stay at Liverpool and extend his contract, Christoph's mind was made up. In August 2007, he moved to Stuttgart on a free transfer. His time at the club wasn't as successful as at Liverpool, but his love and passion for his club made him a popular figure amongst the fans.
But alas, injuries again plagued him and after falling out of favour once again, he decided to call time on his playing career in 2014 at the age of 37. He then spent 2 years as a coach at Stuttgart II, earning his coaching badges and learning the trade. Then, in 2016 the moment came.
Christoph Williams was appointed Stuttgart manager on a 1 year deal, tasked with taking the club back to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking and restoring the club to former glories. Could he do it? There's only one way to find out!
