Coaching prodigy reveals why he snubbed Chelsea and Man Utd

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Nov 2024 09:52 CST
4 min read

Sebastian Hoeness, Stuttgart, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has revealed why he turned down the chance to manage Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer.

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A name perhaps not entirely familiar to international audiences, Stuttgart boss Hoeness is regarded as one of the brightest coaching minds in the footballing industry.

The son of Bundesliga legend Dieter Hoeness, who is the brother of notorious Bayern chief Uli Hones, the Stuttgart tactician has forged his own path in recent years, emerging as something of German football's next Julian Nagelsmann.

Last season, he turned a Stuttgart side that had battled relegation the year prior into one of the Bundesliga's most exciting teams and they even managed to pip Bayern Munich to second place in the standings, thus qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over a decade.

Naturally, Stuttgart lost several star players in the summer and combined with the additional European games, results have often been found wanting so far this term, but the 42-year-old remains one of the most highly coaches in European football.

Hoeness on snubbing English giants

Such has been Hoeness' rise to prominence recently that he was under consideration for the Chelsea and Man Utd jobs in the spring and the summer. However, he quickly made it clear to his suitors that he had no intention to leave Stuttgart.

Speaking to BILD, he has now revealed why he didn't jump at the opportunity to coach in the Premier League. "I noticed that there was interest from various clubs," he said.

"That wasn't entirely surprising after the season we played. But I had decided to stay in Stuttgart a few months earlier [by signing a new contract]. That's why I didn't have a single conversation. It was clear to me that I wanted to develop and build something at VfB this season too."

"The collaboration with those in charge, including Alexander Wehrle, Fabian Wohlgemuth and Christian Gentner, is based on trust; VfB has huge potential. I find it incredibly exciting to help to exploit this potential. If we succeed, it will be possible to reach heights with VfB that were far away for years.

"We took eight steps in one go last season. During my time here, I noticed what is possible with the people in this stadium. That led to me wanting to continue my work here. Nothing has changed in that regard. But of course, for me, it is also about making it clear that the conditions have to be created so that VfB can develop further.

Hoeness is now regarded as the favourite to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, with the Spaniard all but guaranteed to leave the club in 2025. Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that Hoeness is one of the most 'appreciated' coaches around Europe.