VfB Stuttgart mourns the loss of promotion coach Jürgen Sundermann

VfB Stuttgart mourns the loss of its former promotion coach Jürgen Sundermann. The coach, who was revered as a “miracle man” during his playing days, died on Tuesday at the age of 82. This was announced by VfB.

Sundermann, who played his only international match as an outside runner in Stuttgart in 1960, led the Swabians back to the Bundesliga in 1977 after two years in the second division. Back then, big names like Karlheinz Förster, Hansi Müller, Dieter Hoeneß and Ottmar Hitzfeld played for VfB.

Sundermann was considered a great motivator, he ushered in an era of success in Stuttgart. In the Bundesliga, his team stormed into fourth and second place in the two years after promotion. After his departure in 1979, he returned to the Neckar twice as a coach, and he also sat on the bench at Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC. Later he was present as a scout, coach of the traditional team or spectator at VfB.

“Jürgen Sundermann has achieved great things for VfB Stuttgart and has always combined humanity and optimism,” said VfB President Claus Vogt about the “legendary coach”. He paid tribute to the deceased for his “unshakeable belief in success” and his “open nature”.

Sundermann leaves behind his wife Monika, with whom he had two sons.