Thomas Hitzlsperger’s equaliser against Energie Cottbus on 19 May 2007 paved the way for an eventual 2-1 win which earned VfB Stuttgart their fifth league title. Hitzlsperger made 172 appearances for the Cannstatt club in all competitions, but the former midfielder also played 117 games in the English Premier League – including a spell at Everton at the tail end of his career. In an interview ahead of Saturday’s friendly against the Toffees, the 44-year-old shares his thoughts on the game and gives the lowdown on the Merseyside outfit.
Hello Thomas, where are you speaking to us from? Where are you based these days?
Thomas Hitzlsperger: (laughs) “I’m on holiday but I’ve been living in London for a good year now. I’m back on the island, as they say.”
VfB host Everton FC in the club’s official season opener on Saturday 8 August. How do you feel seeing two of your former clubs go up against each other?
Hitzlsperger: “It’s great. I said just recently that I was hoping Aston Villa would be drawn against VfB in the Champions League, but it’s brilliant that Stuttgart and Everton are facing each other in pre-season. I have fond memories of both clubs. Everton are very well liked in England. Despite only making a few appearances there, I have nothing but good memories of the club. It’s going to be a great game.”
Thomas Hitzlsperger:
They’re a great club who really live up to their reputation as a family club. Their aura still impresses me to this day.
How strong are Everton? Their squad includes two former Bundesliga players in Merlin Röhl and Adam Aznou. What do VfB need to be prepared for?
Hitzlsperger: “The transfer window is still open, so I’m exercising caution with my prediction. Generally speaking, though, [head coach] David Moyes will set them up to be solid and stick to their core values, which means they’ll be physical and robust. It’ll be a good test for both sides.”
Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last season, while VfB finished fourth in the Bundesliga. Even so, Everton’s market value is nearly €50m higher than VfB’s. Is that the biggest difference between the two leagues?
Hitzlsperger: “That’s one of the key differences, yes. The Premier League has been marketed brilliantly around the world for years. That results in higher TV revenues, which for the most part are reinvested in players. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re always the best, though. We saw that when Spain won the World Cup despite not having the most valuable squad. Market values are a good guide, but nothing more than that.”
Everton are coached by David Moyes, who was also your boss during your time with the Toffees. What sets him apart and what is his preferred style of play?
Hitzlsperger: “His teams defend well, are well organised and have the physical attributes to hold their own. Whether they end up playing in a 4-4-2, a 4-2-3-1 or another system isn’t that important. He places a lot of emphasis on leadership, but also keeps up with the times when it comes to tactics.”
Your most memorable spell in England was with Aston Villa, but do Everton still hold a special place in your heart as your final club before your retirement in 2012/13?
Hitzlsperger: “It was definitely special. I was already thinking about retiring [before joining Everton]. I was a free agent at the time, but I had a trial and ended up signing for them. I knew I wasn’t fit enough to play in every game. Even though I ended up playing fairly little, Everton are still special to me. They’re a great club who really live up to their reputation as a family club. Their aura still impresses me to this day.”
