- Experiencing more disappointment than satisfaction: VfB's vice-champion begins haphazardly.
The scene unfolded in a manner similar to VfB Stuttgart's intense preseason. A massive convoy of white fans flocked to the stadium before the game, and the team quickly took a 2-0 lead with goals from Fabian Rieder and others. But just as it seemed like a win was in the bag, Maxim Leitsch scored an equalizer in extra time, leaving the vice-champion belly-up.
The 3:3 (2:1) scoreline against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday brought more headaches than celebrations to Stuttgart fans. Their ire was also directed at referee Timo Gerach, but they should first take a hard look at their own errors. The start of the season in the Bundesliga has been a struggle, with just one point after two matches, a major defensive project to tackle, and a tough schedule ahead after the international break.
Gladbach, Real, and Dortmund are lined up next for the team. "We're heading in the right direction," said VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß. Sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth also saw the Stuttgart team as being "on track," but admitted that they couldn't be entirely satisfied with their current performance. Out of the four matches they've played so far in the season, Stuttgart has only won one - a 5-0 win against Preußen Münster in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Winning that game was important after the Supercup loss in Leverkusen and the defeat in the league opener in Freiburg, but Preußen Münster isn't exactly a reliable indicator of their true ability.
The Stuttgart team needs to improve their defense as soon as possible to avoid turning their shaky start into a full-blown disaster. Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and even a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League are looming on the horizon. The team has already announced that they will be working hard on their defense, as Hoeneß knows that conceding six goals in two Bundesliga games is too much - even considering their injuries.
Defensive issues and loss of control
The defense, with Anrie Chase making his starting debut, wasn't "always watertight," according to sports director Wohlgemuth after the draw against Mainz. The return of the long-injured full-back Josha Vagnoman in the second half was a morale boost, but Wohlgemuth also noticed that the team, like in Freiburg, had given away the game in phases. This isn't due to personnel problems, but is rather a current issue for VfB as a whole.
After goals from Enzo Millot (8th minute) and Jamie Leweling (15th), Stuttgart had the chance to put the game to bed early. But they took their foot off the gas, allowing Mainz to claw their way back into the game. Nadiem Amiri scored a penalty for Mainz (43rd), and Jonathan Burkardt equalized for them (62nd). Rieder scored again for Stuttgart (88th), but Leitsch responded once more, equalizing in extra time.
The Stuttgart team was left fuming over a few controversial referee decisions. "Not enough for a penalty," said Wohlgemuth about the duel between Millot and Burkardt before the 1:2. The Mainz player had fallen due to a "step error," as he himself described it. Before the 2:2, there was a handball by the guests - but the referee "didn't have his best day," as Wohlgemuth put it.
It's been more frustration than joy for the team so far, as they struggle to find their footing after another squad overhaul in the summer and their new role as the hunted runners-up.
Despite the 1-1 draw against Mainz, VfB Stuttgart still needs to focus on improving their defensively, as they've conceded six goals in their first two Bundesliga games. This is a concern, especially with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and even a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League on the horizon.
The VfB Stuttgart fans had a tough time after the 3:3 draw, with many directing their ire at referee Timo Gerach, but they should also recognize the team's own errors and the need for better defense.
