VfB Stuttgart got the fourth matchday of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign off to a rollicking start with a 2-0 win over FC St. Pauli. Many talking points emerged from Stuttgart’s second win of the young campaign, virtually all of them positive from the perspective of the Swabians. A common thread revolves around the fact that a Bundesliga club undergoing a major personnel overhaul may be ready to surge regardless.
The losses of Nick Woltemade (Newcastle) and Enzo Millot (Al-Ahli) – combined with Deniz Undav’s unfortunate injury news – left head coach Sebastian Hoeneß concerned about the state of his squad near the end of the transfer window. Hoeneß’ concerns were manifested in the team’s first game back from the international break. A 3-1 away loss at Freiburg handed the Württemberger their second league defeat of the season.
Hoeneß’ team were nevertheless able to bounce back ahead of their Europa League debut later this week. Hoeneß shook things up a bit. Squad captain Atakan Karazaor moved to the bench whilst young Spanish prospect Chema Andres started in midfield. The Spanish U21 international did well in his first Bundesliga start, running his heart out in a full 90 minute shift during which his passing and duel rates were top notch.
New permanent lead striker Ermedin Demirovic – taking over the captain’s armband in Karazor’s stead – scored in his second consecutive Bundesliga match. Demirovic also set up Stuttgart’s second goal, scored by deadline day acquisition Bilal El Khannouss. The three “stars of the show” (Demirovic, Andres, and El Khannouss) were all available to speak to reporters in the mixed zone on Friday night.
The 20-year-old Andres made a friendly impression, smiling and taking selfies with journalists. The youngster was nevertheless still too shy (and perhaps not linguistically prepared) to say much. The same did not apply to El Khannouss, who already speaks five languages and is looking forward to learning a sixth. Demirovic also spoke on his pride in serving as the skipper.
“To play as captain for a club like this and then celebrate a victory like this is something very special,” Demirovic said. “It’s an extremely nice feeling that gives you wings. I’d love to score from outside the box sometime. But I’m a striker and that’s where I feel most comfortable. If I keep scoring like this, I’m happy with that.“
“I speak French, Dutch, English, a little Spanish and Arabic [and am ready for] German next,” Demirovic’s fellow goal-scorer added. “I want to learn the language and become part of the culture. [The Bundesliga] is a different kind of football than in England. A different style of play, a different culture. The intensity is different. The fans are different. The Bundesliga is a good division. I’m very happy to be here and I know I’m going to grow. Great things are going to happen.”
El Khannouss already drew praise from Hoeneß after his starting XI debut last week. After his second consecutive match working behind Demirovic as a ten, Hoeneß again lavished praise on the 21-year-old after his latest performance. Though Stuttgart wished to purchase the 23-times-capped Moroccan international permanently, they had to settle for a loan deal featuring a €3m fee.
It remains obvious that player and coach may wish to extend this collaboration.
“He always wants the ball, usually turns towards the opponent’s goal and is then able to find offensive solutions,” Hoeneß said of El Khannouss on Friday night.
