Gross wants dream start at Stuttgart

BERLIN: Newly-appointed VfB Stuttgart coach Christian Gross is hoping to hit the ground running when his team takes on Romania's Unirea Urziceni on Wednesday for a spot in the Champions League knockout stage.

Gross (pictured) was named as the new coach 18 minutes after Stuttgart sacked Markus Babbel on Sunday and, with the club under fire for a dismal Bundesliga season, the 55-year-old Swiss has his work cut out.

"On Wednesday I want to win. That is where the focus lies. I want to make an early impression," Gross said late on Sunday, before going for an evening training session with his new players, minutes after taking over.