“My time in the Champions League will come.”

As 2023/24 Bundesliga runners-up VfB Stuttgart prepare to make their 2024/25 Champions’ League debut tomorrow, one of the VfB’s “left behind players” has registered his thoughts in an interview with Germany’s preeminent footballing publication. 

Twenty-two-year-old Germany U21 striker Nick Woltemade was not among those included on VfB Stuttgart trainer Sebastian Hoeneß’ Champions’ League roster this autumn. 

The new VfB summer signing – following an immensely successful international break with Antonio di Salvo’s U21s – had a chance to register his feelings on the matter with German footballing journalist Tim Lüddecke of Kicker Magazine. 

Woltemade described his conversation with Hoeneß

“I had a brief conversation with the coach [Hoeneß],” Woltemade told Lüddecke last week, “There weren’t many words from my side. I think in such situations it’s hard to say anything.” 

“The [UCL Roster] rules are stupid to be honest,” Woltemade continued, “You’re in the [league] match-day squad every week and then have to be left out. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be there.” 

“But I’m very happy about the way I’m being worked in at Stuttgart,” Woltemade continued, “I knew [when deciding to move to Stuttgart] that the Champions’ League might not come.” 

“I’ll support from the stands,” the heavily capped German youth international concluded, “I think it’s awesome for the club and the community. My time in the Champions’ League will come.”