Stuttgart have steadied themselves after a difficult start to the season, beating Köln 4-1 at the MHPArena on Matchday 2 to answer questions raised by their opening 1-5 defeat at Bayern Munich. The result matters not just for the three points, but for what it says about the squad's character heading into a packed campaign that includes Champions League football.

No story captures that spirit better than Ermedin Demirovic. The striker came off the bench to score the third goal against Köln, and afterwards spoke candidly about the transfer speculation that had unsettled him during pre-season. Rumours suggesting coach Sebastian Hoeneß was willing to sell him caused him sleepless nights, he admitted, though Hoeneß had publicly dismissed those reports as false. Demirovic's response was pointed: he told his manager he was staying, then proved his value on the pitch.

The summer window left Stuttgart with a thinner squad in some areas. Midfielder Chema Andres joined Brighton for up to 23 million euros after just one season, while winger Badredine Bouanani departed on loan to Rangers with a purchase option of around 19 million euros. Striker Jeremy Pejcinovic has also gone out on loan to Estrela Amadora for first-team experience. Against that, Stuttgart held onto Jamie Leweling despite serious interest from AS Roma and reported contact from Borussia Dortmund, and Bilal El Khannouss also remained after a move to Newcastle failed to materialise.

Sitting eighth in the Bundesliga with three points from two games, Stuttgart now turn to European competition. Viking visit the MHPArena on September 9 in the Champions League, giving Hoeneß an early chance to build momentum across both fronts.