Stuttgart legend Hansi Müller shared his insights on their upcoming Champions League match against Atalanta. Having won a European Championship with West Germany in 1980 and lost a World Cup final to Italy in 1982, Müller’s perspective on this clash is particularly intriguing, as he explained to Gazzetta dello Sport.
When asked which version of Stuttgart Atalanta should expect – the inconsistent Bundesliga side or the brilliant Champions League performers – Müller admitted it was difficult to predict. He noted, “Hoeness’s team has shown they can perform miracles and deliver great performances as they did against Juventus and Real Madrid, but then struggle in the league as they did against Holstein Kiel and Hoffenheim, even though they won.”
Regarding Atalanta, Müller was full of praise: “They’re creating a masterpiece. Gasperini is a master at this. He continues to improve players every year and produce spectacular football.” He was particularly impressed by Atalanta’s recent victory in Naples, stating, “After a win like that, I believe Atalanta becomes one of the candidates for the Scudetto. They shouldn’t hide.”
Müller admires Atalanta’s personality and their calculated risk-taking in playing an open, offensive style. He sees similarities between Atalanta and Stuttgart in their commitment to always play and not close up, but acknowledges the differences in maturity and game development. “Gasperini has been working on this since 2016, Hoeness only for a season, although he immediately managed to bring Stuttgart to second place in the Bundesliga in his debut. That’s why I consider him a phenomenon,” Müller explained.
The former German international expects an entertaining match, with both teams respecting each other. He believes Atalanta has a slight advantage due to their experience in managing such high-stakes games and their Europa League victory, which he feels has transformed the team’s mentality.
When asked about standout players, Müller praised Atalanta’s team cohesion above individual performances. For Stuttgart, he highlighted Stiller, saying, “Stiller, along with Karazor, gives stability to the midfield. He’s my favorite, he has an exceptional left foot and the intelligence to find the right solution at the right moment.”
