Stuttgart's troubled start to the Bundesliga season deepened on matchday four when Maximilian Beier's 70th-minute strike gave Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 win at the MHP Arena, leaving the Swabians with three points from four games and sitting 15th in the table. The result extended a worrying pattern of inconsistency that has undermined expectations for a club competing in the Champions League this season.

At the centre of the concern is captain Deniz Undav, who has yet to register a goal or assist in the Bundesliga. The 30-year-old has spoken openly about his struggles, telling Sky that he feels too deep on the pitch and has managed only two chances across four matches. Lothar Matthäus suggested the weight of a record contract, the captaincy, and the fallout from Julian Nagelsmann's public criticism after the World Cup may have taken a mental toll. Jürgen Klopp left Undav out of his first Germany squad, citing fitness concerns related to a persistent Achilles problem, though Undav responded with characteristic directness: "I must prove myself again and show the coach I belong. I've done it often enough."

There are other squad concerns too. Angelo Stiller suffered a knee bruise against Hoffenheim, though the club confirmed it was only a contusion. With a friendly against Greuther Fürth scheduled for October 1, Stuttgart will use the international break to recover fitness and reset before the season's demands intensify.