Football Season Guide

Stuttgart were sensational under Sebastian Hoeneß last season, winning many admirers as they finished runners-up to Leverkusen. The Swabians won 23 of their 34 games and were ruthless in attack, scoring 78 times. The club had only just survived relegation the previous campaign, which made it all the more impressive. Stuttgart have again been raided for their key players. Dortmund took captain Waldemar Anton and top-scorer Serhou Guirassy from them while Bayern also secured the services of defensive all-rounder Hiroko Ito. Not ideal but this happened the previous summer and it only transpired to spur them on. Stuttgart have a bit more money to play with in the transfer market and that has been reflected with their incoming purchases. The permanent signing of Undav up front was crucial after the loss of Guirassy and the addition of Demirovic from Augsburg alongside him, could ignite another deadly duo in attack. Hoeneß has added more strength in depth, which is a must with European football on its way. The defence could be a little weaker without Anton and Ito but the experienced Chabot from Koln and Hendriks from Feyenoord should help to ease the pain. Zagadou has also still to return from a long injury lay-off. Leweling, Rouault, and Stergiou have also been recruited permanently after featuring on loan last season and young trio Diehl, Woltemade, and Keitel have all built up experience in the division with their previous clubs. The free-flowing attacking style should again be on display this campaign, so you will expect Stuttgart to score plenty, whether they can keep them out down the other end will be the concern.