Stuttgart have started their competitive season with a 2-0 win at Hansa Rostock in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, a result that gives Sebastian Hoeneß's side early momentum as they defend their 2025 cup title. The victory at the Ostseestadion came against a third-division side and was expected, but it provided a meaningful platform for the new campaign after a mixed pre-season that ended with a 0-1 friendly loss to Fulham.

The result also handed new striker Dzenan Pejcinovic his competitive debut in Stuttgart colours. The 21-year-old arrived from VfL Wolfsburg for 25 million euros and has drawn strong praise from Hoeneß, who told Sport Bild he expects the forward to reach the German national team. New Bundestrainer Jürgen Klopp has reportedly already been in contact with the club about Pejcinovic, flagging him as a candidate for the 2028 European Championship squad.

Off the pitch, Stuttgart have held firm against transfer pressure. Galatasaray submitted a 15 million euro bid for Ermedin Demirovic, which the club rejected outright having paid 23 million for him two years ago. The Turkish side also made an approach for Bilal El Khannouss, though Stuttgart's asking price of 65 million euros is far beyond what has been offered. Both players are expected to stay. Demirovic himself has been clear about his intentions, saying he wants to score goals and push for a successful season, with Champions League football among his priorities.

Stuttgart face Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on 28 August, a rematch of last season's DFB-Pokal final, which Bayern won 3-0.