Stuttgart is reportedly resisting loan offers from 1. FC Heidenheim for defender Leonidas Stergiou. Despite advanced talks between Heidenheim and the club, Stuttgart remains reluctant to part with the versatile Swiss international.
Stergiou, 23, has not featured in any Bundesliga matches this season due to a syndesmotic tear. He has been rehabilitating with Stuttgart’s reserves in the 3. Liga, while Heidenheim has pursued him intensively over the past weeks.
Stergiou’s Potential Importance to Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß emphasizes Stergiou’s value once fully fit. Central defenders Dan-Axel Zagadou and Luca Jaquez have encountered persistent injuries, increasing the need for defensive depth.
Hoeneß acknowledged Stergiou’s limited playing time at his recent press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim. He stated, “The fact is that Leo is spending far too little time on the pitch.”
Balancing Playing Time and Squad Needs
Hoeneß further underscored the necessity to address Stergiou’s match involvement. “We need to discuss this together. It can’t go on like this in the long term, with him not getting any playing time,” he added.
This statement reflects Stuttgart’s dilemma: they want to nurture Stergiou’s development while managing immediate defensive challenges due to injuries.
Current Situation Summary
- Leonidas Stergiou has not made Bundesliga appearances this season due to injury recovery.
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- FC Heidenheim is actively seeking to secure him on loan.
- Stuttgart is cautious, recognizing Stergiou’s value amidst defensive injury problems.
- Head coach Hoeneß acknowledges the need for Stergiou to get more game time.
Stuttgart’s reluctance to finalize a loan deal suggests they aim to keep Stergiou available as a key defensive option for the eventual return of their injured players. Discussions about his playing time continue as the club balances squad depth and player development.
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