VfB Stuttgart's inconsistent start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat at Hoffenheim on Saturday, a result that leaves them 14th in the Bundesliga table with three points from three games. The loss stings particularly because it followed the momentum of a strong midweek Champions League win, where Ermedin Demirovic's 12-minute hat-trick powered Stuttgart to a 3-1 victory over Viking Stavanger in their European opener. That night showed the attacking quality available to Sebastian Hoeneß, but the Hoffenheim defeat is a reminder of how fragile Stuttgart's form remains.

The storyline running through the early weeks of the season is the form of captain Deniz Undav. The striker is still without a league goal, and while Hoeneß has publicly defended him, pointing to his influence on team play and his two assists against Viking, the pressure on Undav to contribute in front of goal is growing. Achilles tendon problems have hampered his fitness, and Hoeneß has acknowledged his sharpness is still building.

The summer transfer window also reshaped the squad significantly. Chema Andres joined Brighton for up to 23 million euros, Badredine Bouanani moved to Rangers on loan, and midfielder Atakan Karazor lost the captaincy to Undav. Hoeneß now has a leaner group to work with as Stuttgart face Borussia Dortmund at the MHPArena next Saturday, a fixture that will test whether the club can find the consistency their Champions League ambitions demand.