A Look Ahead: Celtic and VfB Stuttgart in Europa League Action
In my university days, I often heard a light-hearted remark from friends in Northern Germany suggesting that, as a Scot, I would find Stuttgart quite familiar due to the purported frugality of its residents in Swabia.
While this stereotype may be outdated, I believe most fair-minded individuals would also recognize the generosity of spirit shared by supporters of both Celtic and VfB Stuttgart, especially in light of their upcoming UEFA Europa League encounters.
What Should Celtic Fans Anticipate?
- Meet Noahkai Banks: A contender for the USMNT World Cup roster
- Harry Kane nets his 500th goal: Insights into his impressive performance
- Bayern’s Pokal drought weighs heavily amid continued Bundesliga success
To me, VfB Stuttgart is a remarkable yet often overlooked presence in both football and cultural discussions outside of Germany, and their significance may soon become evident to many.
The Iconic Brustring
The unique red ring on Stuttgart’s white kit, known as the Brustring, holds historical importance. Last August, the club marked a century of the Brustring, and the accompanying celebration by the passionate Cannstatter Kurve created an electrifying atmosphere during their match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Despite rarely being recognized as a must-visit venue for football matches, attending a game in Stuttgart is an experience that should not be missed. The MHP Arena hosts nearly 60,000 supporters at every home game, creating an ambiance that is nothing short of a rite of passage. In a region with strong football ties, supporting Stuttgart feels natural for many local fans.
Triumphs and Challenges
Stuttgart’s journey has been marked by both high achievements and significant challenges. They have celebrated titles as three-time Bundesliga champions and four-time Pokal winners, including a victory in the German Cup last May. However, the club has also faced relegations in 2016 and 2019, managing to bounce back on both occasions to secure their top-tier status promptly.
In more recent seasons, the club challenges have included a near miss in 2022 and a tense relegation playoff against Hamburger SV in 2023. During that same period, Sebastian Hoeneß has transformed Stuttgart since taking over as head coach, leading them to a Bundesliga runners-up finish in 2024, surpassing even Bayern Munich, and clinching another Pokal title in 2025. His ability to rebuild the squad following player departures is commendable.
Notable Departures
Stuttgart has seen several key players leave the squad in recent years. In 2023, they bid farewell to Wataru Endo, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Borna Sosa. The following year, captain Waldemar Anton and striker Serhou Guirassy transferred to Dortmund, while Hiroki Ito joined Bayern. Additional departures included Nick Woltemade and Enzo Millot last summer.
Despite these changes, Stuttgart is currently focused on securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League and has maintained a top-four position by winning five out of their last seven Bundesliga matches in 2026. With a busy schedule ahead—including a Pokal semifinal in late April—the club aims to defend its title amid the challenges of competing on multiple fronts.
Tactical Approach and Key Players
Hoeneß prefers a possession-based style, utilizing a rotation of attackers to keep opposing defenses guessing. One of the standout performers this season has been Deniz Undav, a player with both scoring and playmaking skills, who typically plays behind the primary striker, Ermedin Demirovic. Remarkably, since 2023, only Harry Kane and Undav’s former teammate Guirassy have scored more goals.
Another critical asset is Jamie Leweling, whose versatility poses challenges for defenders whether he plays on the wing or cuts into the center. The midfield is anchored by captain Atakan Karazor and the talented Angelo Stiller, known for his long-range shooting ability.
Defensive Dynamics
On the left flank, Maximilian Mittelstädt and the skillful Chris Führich blend well, presenting a challenge for opponents. Meanwhile, the right side features Josha Vagnoman and Lorenz Assignon, both of whom have room for development defensively.
Leading the defense is Jeff Chabot, a left-footed player being considered for national team selection, paired with the promising 19-year-old Finn Jeltsch. In goal, Alexander Nübel—on loan from Bayern—consistently delivers strong performances. It will be interesting to see if Hoeneß adopts a high pressing strategy similar to that employed against Leverkusen, particularly regarding Karazor’s positioning.
Regardless of the outcomes in the upcoming Europa League matches, the appreciation for Stuttgart’s team and supporters is bound to deepen significantly.
