Pack is doing well, Pack is getting along, say many fans of VfB Stuttgart these days.

At times it is like a tavern when the regular carpenters give each other the cast-iron ashtray over the head.

Even two weeks ago everything was on the palette.

The newcomer played brisk football.

The world was all right - until CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger showed why he was called "The Hammer" during his violent days in England.

If the store completely blows up in the next few days, there is only one consolation left.