Running on Empty

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·1 December 2024

Running on Empty

In Bremen, VfB Stuttgart failed to deliver much of what had distinguished them in recent months. Yet, thanks to an outstanding performance by Ermedin Demirović, the team managed to come back twice from a deficit. Both the thrashing in Belgrade and the tight schedule seemed to weigh heavily on the players that afternoon.

What didn’t surprise anyone in Bremen was that VfB didn’t win, even though another three points after their home victory against Bochum could have further narrowed the gap to the top third of the table. After all, Stuttgart has only won three times in Bremen over the past 20 years—once behind closed doors when Silas cheekily scored from the goal line. Before that, Mario Gómez was the last Stuttgart player to secure a winning goal on the Weser. What was surprising was that VfB didn’t lose, despite allowing Bremen a double-digit number of corners and despite an overall lackluster performance just days after their disappointing Champions League game in Belgrade. The two might be connected, but let’s begin with an analysis before delving into the causes.

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The game had barely started when the home side took the lead. After a duel along the sideline, Stuttgart’s players stopped to protest instead of defending, allowing Marvin Ducksch to sprint down the wing, cross, and set up Justin Njinmah, who headed the ball into the net despite being marked by two defenders. It was a goal that came together far too easily and typified how Bremen repeatedly put Stuttgart’s defense under pressure with high pressing and long diagonal balls. Werder had twice as many shots as VfB, who were fortunate that only six were on target for Alex Nübel to save. Sebastian Hoeneß’s team struggled against Bremen’s compact and aggressive approach. Leo Stergiou and Anrie Chase won only a third of their duels, and Jeff Chabot was lucky when referee Harm Osmers reversed a prematurely awarded penalty.

Demirović Well-Prepared

That the match still ended 2–2 was again due to individual quality, as was the case against Bochum. While Chris Führich had an off day, Ermedin Demirović stepped up and lobbed Bremen’s goalkeeper Michael Zetterer twice. This time, Zetterer wasn’t beaten by brightly-colored jerseys but rather by smart preparation. After the match, Demirović admitted he knew Zetterer tended to dive early during challenges. Taking advantage of this, Demirović skillfully finished both Maxi Mittelstädt’s cross and a brilliant through ball from Stiller with just one additional touch. The fact that Nick Woltemade came close to scoring a winner in injury time reflects the team’s unshakable belief in themselves. However, that might have been asking for too much given the overall performance.

Once again, VfB did not play well. Their collective defending was as ineffective as their dynamic attacking play. Substitutes Diehl and Woltemade eventually injected some energy into the offense, though their efforts didn’t lead to success. Otherwise, Stuttgart’s game was marked by safe passes that brought high possession and passing accuracy but little gain in space and even fewer scoring opportunities. The fear of committing to an attack was evident after Bremen lost the ball in midfield. Instead of capitalizing on the mistake, VfB failed to create a promising counterattack. The team appeared as helpless as they did during the late stages of Matarazzo’s tenure—though this time with a point in hand, and for entirely different reasons.

No Time for Recovery

The team is clearly running on empty, mentally and perhaps physically. Perhaps more foundational training during the summer would have been better than DFL-sponsored matches in Japan’s summer heat. Regardless, by Christmas, VfB will have played 25 competitive matches this season—just nine or ten fewer than they played in entire seasons in recent years. The *Vertikalpass* blog highlighted it in its match report: VfB’s routine currently consists of traveling, playing, recovering, and repeating. There’s hardly any time for proper recovery, let alone for training, which explains the lack of coordination on the pitch. In Bremen, one could wonder whether the players were simply too exhausted or believed their performance was sufficient to win an away game. Even during last season’s fairytale run, there were games where the team failed to reach its full potential. However, it’s unlikely that the players think they can win matches without full effort.

In Belgrade, they were overwhelmed by Red Star’s “all or nothing” approach, as described by Red Star fan Denis on the podcast, and that game clearly lingered in their legs and minds on Saturday. The absence of three key attacking players who could have provided relief only added to the difficulty. The team is realizing that the packed schedule is wearing them down. This fatigue is evident in their lack of focus and mental blocks, with their minds constantly on the grueling schedule ahead: five more games in the next three weeks, deciding their fate in the cup, Champions League, and Bundesliga.

Shared Responsibility

This phase, emphasized by sporting director Wohlgemuth and coach Hoeneß, is exactly why a deep squad was assembled. Against Regensburg, Hoeneß will have the opportunity to rest several regular starters. Players like Keitel, Krätzig, Hendriks, Stenzel, Diehl, and Woltemade will have the chance to prove they can provide consistent support in the Bundesliga, allowing Hoeneß more freedom in squad rotation. Despite the injuries, this demanding stretch was always expected. The team must navigate it together, with the responsibility spread across many shoulders.