New boss Gross demands fighting spirit

New coach Christian Gross has demanded his Stuttgart players fight to the death in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League home tie against Unirea Urziceni.

The 55-year-old Gross only took charge of Stuttgart on Sunday after Markus Babbel was sacked with his side on the verge of the Champions League’s knock-out stages, but third from the bottom of the Bundesliga.

Second place in Group G behind Sevilla is on the line for both sides with the Romanian champions currently enjoying a two-point cushion over their German opponents.

Both teams recorded victories in their last European matches, Unirea overcoming section leaders Sevilla 1-0 in Bucharest while Stuttgart ran out 2-0 winners at Rangers, who are now out of the running for qualification.

Now Gross is urging his side to show their mettle with a victory that will stamp their ticket for the lucrative last 16 stage of Europe’s premier club competition.

“We must go out there as a unit and make it absolutely clear what we want from the very first minute,” inisted Gross.

“The players should be goal-oriented, just as I am.

“We want to win at all costs and I expect the spark from the players to ignite the fans too.

“In general, I always expect the spectators to be behind their club.”

Germany star Thomas Hitzlsperger (muscle sinew tear) and his midfield partner Roberto Hilbert (patella tendon problem) are both out until the winter break with long-term injuries.

And Gross may have to do without key players like defender Arthur Boka, midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic and striker Cacau against the Romanian champions, who are coached by ex-Chelsea star Dan Petrescu.

In spite of those absences, a win and subsequent progression to the knock-out stages would help lift Stuttgart out the Doldrums.

“Of course I’m well aware of the situation we are in,” said Gross.

“Our top priority is undoubtedly to avoid relegation.

“I know German football very well and consider the Bundesliga to be an evenly balanced league.

“It’s difficult to win against any team.”

The Swiss coach had a similar experience during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

He took over the London team after 15 match days, with just 13 points to their credit, and in the end managed to avoid the drop.

“My start back then was similar to the situation with VfB.

“Both clubs are also highly respected globally,” noted Gross, who is fired up for the challenge of survival in the top flight.

“Professional sportsmen rise to the tasks that face them – I will make that clear to the players. Fear makes poor company.”