Stuttgart did very well to immediately bounce back into the top flight after relegation suffered in 2019. Strong start (W6 D2 L0 in opening 8 rounds) and finish (4 wins in last 7 games) to the season proved crucial, as well as the managerial change that took place during the winter break. Tim Walter lost the confidence in him in November and December, with his replacement Pellegrino Matarazzo definitely making the Swabians play better football in 2020.
The main strengths of the team were their versatile forwards and the inner midfielders, who were controlling most games with confidence. This was particularly profound at home, with 12 of the 17 league wins achieved in Stuttgart.
Issues in defence were the main reason for the stumbles, with Stuttgart excused by fact that pair of starting centre-backs suffered serious injuries early in campaign, both Kempf and Kaminski missed lots of games.
Nicolas Gonzalez and Silas Wamangituka look to have found their most effective roles down the wings late in the season, while Japanese anchor-man Endo was crucial all campaign and by far the most consistent player in the squad.
Clearly the main goal next season will be to establish in the top flight, but for that to happen at least 3-4 experienced new signings will have to be made to support the many young players in the squad. New left-back urgently needed.
