VfB champion goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand on Uli Hoeneß: "He didn't get in touch anymore"

Created: 2022-07-23Updated: 2022-07-23, 10:05 am

By: Niklas Noack

Timo Hildebrand has become a legend at VfB Stuttgart.

© Alexander Keppler/www.imago-images.de

As a goalkeeper, Timo Hildebrand became German champion in 2007 with VfB Stuttgart.

He now runs a vegan restaurant.

He spoke to BW24 about Uli Hoeneß, VfB and his role as SWR expert in the game against FC Valencia on Saturday.

Mr. Hildebrand, you have been running a vegan restaurant in Stuttgart for a long time.

Has Uli Hoeneß accepted your invitation in the meantime?

Not yet.

He hasn't contacted me again.

Maybe someday he'll be around and remember it, but it wouldn't matter if he didn't snow in either.

I let myself be surprised.

Hoeneß had made disparaging comments about vegan nutrition.

Said it would make you sick.

Are you often confronted with such prejudices and how do you deal with them? 

I think in the end it was all about being pointed at by militant vegans.

If done right, a balanced diet is possible.

I am not a 100% vegan myself.

I haven't eaten meat in ages.

The bottom line, however, is that there are enough prejudices that can be refuted.

Let's get to the sports.

You became German champion in 2007 with VfB Stuttgart.

You then moved to FC Valencia.

In Spain there was no success and you became a migratory bird.

In retrospect, do you regret leaving Stuttgart?

No, you always decide as best as you can at a certain point in time.

I just wanted to see something different.

It was a turbulent time in Valencia, but I learned something for life.

I don't want to miss the time.

In 2007, Timo Hildebrand won the championship trophy with VfB Stuttgart.

© Pressefoto Rudel/Robin Rudel/www.imago-images.de

VfB Stuttgart: Legend Timo Hildebrand is in action against FC Valencia as an SWR expert

What have you learned during this time?

Humility.

What I get from being a footballer.

It wasn't an easy time, I was out of my comfort zone, which I had built up over the years in Stuttgart.

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What do you still associate with FC Valencia today?

I am no longer in contact with the club.

I only have a few friends there that I visit from time to time.

On Saturday you will be working as a TV expert for SWR.

Do you actually have a role model in this regard?

No, I'm trying to do my best.

I haven't received any expert inquiries for a long time.

Most recently, I was involved in Euro-League games.

Can we expect more cool sayings or tactical analyzes from you on Saturday?

Mixed.

I also like to be funny and try to bring in a bit of analysis.

But it's a friendly game and it's not about the Champions League title, so it's going to be easy.

I freaked out like everyone else

- Timo Hildebrand, former goalkeeper of VfB Stuttgart -

Timo Hildebrand strengthens the back of VfB keeper Florian Müller

Back to VfB Stuttgart.

How did you experience the season finale with the last-minute relegation against 1. FC Köln?

I was in the stadium and freaked out like everyone else.

I was in the changing room with my son afterwards and wanted to give him the opportunity to experience something like this up close.

Many have said that the stadium freaked out more than at the championship.

You don't have to compare that at all.

At the time it was a huge surprise.

And of course people were happy that we stayed in the Bundesliga.

VfB is simply not a lift team.

It was a critical season and the game was dramatic.

That's why people totally freaked out.

VfB Stuttgart: squad for the 2022/23 season

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What do you think VfB can do in the upcoming season?

I think everyone is happy if it's a quieter season than last.

Goalkeeper Florian Müller is often criticized.

It is said he would not parry the Unstoppable.

Can you understand the criticism as a former Bundesliga keeper? 

As an athlete, as a footballer, especially as a goalkeeper, you are always under criticism.

It hasn't been an easy season for the club, including him, so I hope he benefits this year when the team is more stable.

He was a newcomer last season and it was an adjustment period for him.

Anyway, I wish him all the best for the future.

Mr. Hildebrand, thank you very much for the interview.