Football Season Guide

Stuttgart impressed again under coach Hoeneß last season, qualifying for the Champions League for the second time in 3 seasons and reaching a second consecutive DFB Pokal final. The Swabians will be fighting on 3 fronts again this season so strength in depth is important, they have largely kept their core squad intact so the need for big changes hasn’t been necessary. Stuttgart have added energy to the centre of the park with the acquisition of box-to-box midfielder Grischa Promel, the former Hoffenheim should bring an extra goal threat too. As well as securing the permanent signature of creative midfielder El Khannouss, striker Pejcinovic also joins from Wolfsburg, the 21 year-old started to show his quality last season and should thrive in a much better team. Highly-rated Slovakian winger Leo Sauer completes the transfers so far and will be a decent stand-in for Chris Fuhrich on the left side. Stuttgart are expected to be dangerous opposition this season with their abundance of attacking talent and creativity from midfield. Their weakness could be in defence where they have yet to strengthen. Also the loss of goalkeeper Nubel could be felt with young talent Siemen supposedly ready to take on the role as first choice.