VfB Stuttgart began the new Bundesliga season with a brutal reality check, losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on matchday one. The result leaves them bottom of the table with no points from their opening game, and the manner of the defeat raised serious questions about the squad's depth and defensive resilience. Captain Deniz Undav was blunt in his assessment, admitting that without an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow, the scoreline could have reached eight or nine. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß acknowledged his side must improve, though he noted Bayern would likely beat most teams by similar margins this season.

The performance was made harder to judge given Stuttgart's mounting injury problems. Nikolas Nartey, who had emerged as the surprise winner of pre-season by claiming the right-back spot, lasted just nine minutes of the DFB-Pokal opener against Hansa Rostock before pulling up with a hamstring injury. His absence left Josha Vagnoman, who had been considered a likely departure, back as first choice on the right. Add in the long-term absences of Dennis Seimen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Lorenz Assignon, and several others, and Hoeneß is already managing a heavily depleted group.

Off the pitch, the transfer window is closing with Stuttgart's squad largely intact. Bilal El Khannouss, who has been linked with Newcastle United all summer and has featured only as a substitute in both competitive matches so far, now appears likely to stay after a move to the Premier League club broke down. AS Roma's loan-plus-obligation offer of up to 40 million euros for Jamie Leweling was also rejected. Stuttgart host FC Koeln next on September 4, a fixture they will need to win to avoid an uncomfortable early-season position.