Stuttgart's season is in serious danger of unravelling before it has properly begun. Three points from four Bundesliga games leaves them 15th in the table, and the 1-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund on September 19 was their third league loss of the campaign. For a Champions League side with genuine ambitions, the start has been deeply disappointing.

The situation surrounding Deniz Undav captures the club's difficulties most sharply. The captain and record-contract holder has zero goals and zero assists in the Bundesliga this season, and was left out of Jürgen Klopp's first Germany squad due to fitness concerns and poor form. Undav has spoken openly about the pressure he feels, telling Sky: "I must prove again that I belong here." Lothar Matthäus suggested the turbulence surrounding Julian Nagelsmann before the World Cup, combined with a record contract and the captaincy, may have affected Undav mentally. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß remains publicly supportive, insisting it is "only a matter of time" before Undav rediscovers his best form.

Angelo Stiller, another key player, suffered a knee bruise against Hoffenheim and was substituted in the 34th minute, though the club confirmed no serious damage. Both Stiller and Undav missed Klopp's first international call-up, leaving Stuttgart's influence on the national team temporarily reduced. Bright spots exist, with young defender Finn Jeltsch earning his first Germany squad place, but Stuttgart need results fast.