"A few things had built up inside me" - Ermedin Demirovic makes admission after Stuttgart hat-trick | OneFootball

Ermedin Demirovic admitted that “a few things had built up” inside him after producing a stunning first-half hat-trick in VfB Stuttgart’s Champions League opener against Viking FK.

The Bosnia international struck three times in just 12 minutes as Sebastian Hoeness’ side secured a 3-1 victory at the MHPArena on Wednesday evening, with his goals arriving in the 20th, 26th and 32nd minutes

It capped off an eventful few weeks for Demirovic, whose future had been the subject of considerable speculation towards the end of the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray pushed to sign the 28-year-old and reportedly made an offer worth up to €20 million including bonuses, before Demirovic ultimately decided to remain in Stuttgart.

Speaking to DAZN after being named Man of the Match against Viking, Demirovic was asked about pundit Nils Petersen’s suggestion that he often produces his best football when he has been annoyed or provoked.

“I think so,” Demirovic replied.

“I think a few things had built up inside me, although I’m happy to be here now.

“I think by now that isn’t an issue anymore. I’m here now.

“Maybe Nils brought me some luck with the phone call before the game. He gave me a little bit of luck over the phone.”

Demirovic also played down any suggestion of tension within Stuttgart’s increasingly competitive group of strikers.

The summer arrival of Dzenan Pejcinovic added further competition alongside Deniz Undav, but Demirovic insisted there is no animosity between the trio.

“To be honest, I couldn’t care less who my competitor is or whatever,” he said.

“I get on well with him, I get on well with everyone in the team. I only wish him the best, and hopefully he wishes the same for me.

“I said before the season that we need a strong squad. That includes having three strikers. There’s nowhere where you get a free pass to play every single game.

“No matter which of us plays, we have real quality on the pitch.”

And after helping Stuttgart make the perfect start to their Champions League campaign, Demirovic set an ambitious target for the months ahead.

“We’re not here just to take part. We want to progress,” he said.

“And after that, I don’t think there are any limits on how far we can go.

“We can compete against any opponent. But first we have to concentrate on getting through, and then we’ll see what comes after that.”