Maximilian Mittelstädt’s return to training on Wednesday morning for the first time following his extended summer break means that all of VfB’s players who participated at the European Championship are now back in Bad Cannstatt. We chatted to Mittelstädt about how he feels to be back among his team-mates once again.
Maxi, it’s great to see you back out on the pitch here in Bad Cannstatt. How was your holiday?
Maximilian Mittelstädt: “It was a long break, but we’ve also got a long season ahead of us. It did me a lot of good to put my feet up and give my body the rest it needed. Now I’m feeling all the better for it, and I think that having a bit of a longer break will pay off over the course of the season, given all the games we’ll have.”
You had your first training session today alongside some new faces. What was your impression of the summer signings?
Mittelstädt: “I stopped by here after the European Championship and got to know some of the newcomers a bit. Everyone’s made a great impression. I think they’ll fit in well with the team, not just in terms of their footballing ability but also in terms of their character. I think we’ve got some good new signings that will complement the team well. I’m looking forward to the season.”
You will also see the fans again this weekend at the friendly against Athletic Club.
Mittelstädt: “Yes, we’re all really looking forward to seeing the fans in the stadium again. They played a big part in our success last season. I don’t know of any Bundesliga club whose supporters created an atmosphere like ours did throughout the season. That’s why we’re all very much looking forward to seeing them in the stadium again.”