Gómez wants grit from Stuttgart

Mario Gómez has told his VfB Stuttgart team-mates to toughen up after a 2-1 defeat at Rangers FC in UEFA Champions League Group E last Wednesday was followed by a 4-1 Bundesliga thrashing at Werder Bremen at the weekend. The German champions face VfL Bochum 1848 in the league tonight and then FC Hansa Rostock at the weekend, hoping to find form before welcoming FC Barcelona to the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion on Matchday 2.

Disappointing outcome
While Gómez was happy to score his first UEFA Champions League goal early in the second half against Rangers, the group-stage opener ended in frustration – the Scottish side producing a spirited comeback to match their 2-1 victory over Stuttgart in 2003/04. "We played well for 60 minutes and then our concentration slipped," Gómez told uefa.com. "It was very disappointing to lose after being ahead. Of course, it was nice to score but it meant nothing in the end because we lost."

'Too much space'
Coach Armin Veh had warned his players they would have to be prepared to win a physical battle to give them a platform for success at Ibrox – something Stuttgart failed to do according to Gómez. "We knew it would be a physical contest but Rangers won more of the one-to-one battles and that is something we will have to learn," the 22-year-old German international said. "We gave too much room to their No2 [Alan Hutton]. He had the freedom of the pitch and we suffered the consequences. By contrast, Rangers were quick to close us down when we were in possession."

Playing catch-up
Lessons had not been learned by Saturday, when Stuttgart conceded two early goals against Bremen en route to a painful reverse. They go into tonight's visit of Bochum in 13th position, seven points behind leaders FC Bayern München with just six games played. Veh will attempt to steady Stuttgart's domestic form this week, while also keeping something in reserve for the Barcelona tie on 2 October. Looking ahead to that assignment, Gómez said: "We have to win, which won't be easy because it's Barcelona and they have many talented players. But we are at home and we have the same chance as in any other game."