Ex-KSC trainer Alois Schwartz called him: “Character player.” For many fans it is the “evergreen!” And in player circles it is called: “The all-rounder.” All “honor names” match, absolutely apply to Manuel Stiefler. He never gives up, goes ahead, shows exemplary character. “Boots” can be used almost anywhere. “I played in every position except in goal and central defense.”
And perennial favorite? In his last 17 appearances, he was on the field for the entire 90 minutes in 15 games. Under new coach Christian Eichner, he was always in the field. An impressive record. Once he was missing because of the birth of son Leonard. The seasoned midfielder consistently performed really well and scored three times. That makes him happy, but he still has a big problem: “My biggest problem is: We didn’t get enough points. In our performance, more should have jumped out,” said the team player in its purest form.
Manuel Stiefler (KSC 8) on the ball in a storm at the Hanoverian goal. |
Credit: Tim Carmele / TMC Photography
Coach Eichner also sees him like this: “He is a team player, as you want him to be. In addition, Manuel is extremely versatile. He can play almost any position. Even when he played right-back, he always performed well. He is above all a character strong player. ” Praise from all sides for the 31-year-old, born in Franconia. He is also happy about that – but not all of it.
Stiefler’s contract expires
Because: Stiefler’s contract expires at the end of June. “So far I’m still very relaxed. But I know this situation. In the last phase, I had to experience not knowing how things would go in Sandhausen. That is stressful,” he confesses, adding: “Even more since I have been a family I actually didn’t want to experience anything like that anymore. “
Manuel Stiefler (KSC 8) who focuses on the ball in a duel. |
Image: Carmele / TMC photography
The signals regarding a – probably absolutely deserved and logical contract extension – were positive. “In the training camp in winter, sports director Oliver Kreuzer sat down with me because of a new contract and the signals were consistently positive.” Also from new trainer Eichner: positive signals. But Eichner himself is in the air, has no contract as head coach. “I only got positive signals – the Corona crisis ended that,” says Stiefler.
Manuel Stiefler (KSC 8) sprints with two exercise balls in his arms. |
Image: Carmele | TMC photography
But the professional, who made 103 appearances in the 2nd Bundesliga, is experienced and clever enough to know exactly that there is still an important step between positive signals and a contract signature. Because of the general uncertainty, he understands that something is currently failing. Nevertheless – as some colleagues see it – appreciation looks different.
“We feel very comfortable in Karlsruhe”
Stiefler, who also helped as a bone marrow donor, does not want to comment on that. Other clubs also know that his contract ends and have therefore already become aware of the all-rounder. When asked, he also said: “No comment, my advisor will take care of it”, but then makes it clear: “We feel very comfortable in Karlsruhe.”
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