BREAKING: Nick Woltemade’s “Disrespectful” Comment About VfB Stuttgart Players Sparks Outrage — Maksym Talovierov Among Those Offended
Stuttgart – August 7, 2025
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade has come under intense scrutiny after making a controversial and allegedly “disrespectful” comment about several of his teammates. The statement, reportedly made during an off-camera conversation at a private event, has now become public — and the backlash has been swift.
According to sources close to the club, Woltemade was heard criticizing “the mentality and quality” of certain Stuttgart players, allegedly saying:
“Some of these guys wouldn’t even make the bench at a proper top-tier club. It’s hard to win with players who play like second-league hopefuls.”
The remark was leaked by someone present at the event and quickly went viral after being shared on social media. The backlash began almost immediately, with fans, pundits, and players reacting with a mix of disappointment and anger. One name that quickly emerged in the aftermath: Maksym Talovierov.
Talovierov Responds: “There’s No Room for Arrogance in a Team Sport”
Maksym Talovierov, the Ukrainian defender who joined VfB Stuttgart earlier this year, was reportedly one of the players indirectly targeted by Woltemade’s remarks. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Talovierov responded with a calm but pointed message:
“Disrespect towards teammates says more about the speaker than the spoken of. There’s no room for arrogance in a team sport. We win together, we fight together — or we fall apart.”
The post has since garnered over 300,000 likes and was retweeted by several Stuttgart teammates, suggesting that sentiment within the locker room may be turning against Woltemade.
Fan Backlash and Club Reaction
Stuttgart fans wasted no time voicing their displeasure. Chants of “Kein Respekt, kein Platz!” (“No respect, no place!”) were heard at a closed training session Thursday morning, and the club’s subreddit was flooded with calls for Woltemade to apologize — or even leave.
The club has yet to issue an official disciplinary statement but released a brief comment through its press officer:
“VfB Stuttgart holds all players to the highest standards of professionalism and mutual respect. Internal matters are being reviewed, and any actions deemed necessary will be taken in due course.”
A Transfer Saga Made Worse?
This latest controversy could further complicate Woltemade’s already tense situation with the club. Just weeks ago, Bayern Munich submitted — and had rejected — multiple offers for the 23-year-old forward, reportedly in the region of €45–50 million. Stuttgart refused to sell, with CEO Alexander Wehrle stating firmly:
“We are going into next season with Nick Woltemade as part of our vision.”
But now, insiders suggest that the mood inside the club hierarchy is shifting. One executive, speaking anonymously to Kicker, said:
“If he doesn’t see the value of the team around him, perhaps he doesn’t belong here.”
Bayern has yet to make a third offer, but speculation is already swirling that this controversy could accelerate Woltemade’s exit — if not in this window, then in January.
Former Players Weigh In
Former Stuttgart captain Gonzalo Castro, now a Bundesliga pundit, condemned Woltemade’s alleged remarks during a segment on Sport1:
“Nick has talent, no doubt. But talent without respect makes you a liability in a team. That kind of attitude breaks dressing rooms. I hope he reflects — and fast.”
Similarly, former German international and Stuttgart legend Sami Khedira weighed in via Instagram Stories:
“What makes great players is not just goals — it’s how you treat those around you. I’ve played with champions who never forgot that.”
What’s Next
As of Thursday evening, Nick Woltemade has not made a public statement addressing the controversy. Sources suggest the club has asked him to refrain from speaking until internal discussions are held with the management and coaching staff.
Whether this incident leads to a formal apology, a fine, or something more dramatic — like a sudden transfer — remains to be seen. For now, fans and teammates alike are left grappling with the fallout from a few words that may have fractured more than just trust.
