It was not as expected because Stuttgart had a lot of problems in their opener against St. Pauli and some luck to win 2-1 in the end after they have come from behind. Second match was almost the same, they did really hard and lost against a big fighting team from Düsseldorf. But nevertheless Coach Luhukay found the right mix and balance what was key for the following 2 victories. First one in Cup against lower division team FC Homburg 3-0 and one week later in Sandhausen 2-1. Both wins are deserved but in the end of the 90 minutes they had a bit of luck above all against SV Sandhausen.
Their opponent Heidenheim started well and won to Aue 1-0 but could not convince much in this game, better was the second match in Nürnberg 1-1 where was much more possible but they missed too much. In Cup it was had work against a lower division team from Wattenscheid 2-1 what continues in league against Würzburg 1-2. The form is not there right now but they had 1-2 weeks to prepare more for the Season now.
At the end of the transfer period was Stuttgart able to sign some more players to bring more deepness in their squad and also some fighting spirit for the positions. With Pavard, Mane and Asano they finished their transfer activities. All three guys started with training on Wednesday and should not be in the starting lineup immediately. They are more expected to sit on bench first and maybe get some minutes in the end of the match. Also Baumgartl, Hosogai and Ristl are no option for the squad and train individual. Coach Luhukay mentioned that Großkreutz is back from injury and an option for the squad against Heidenheim. All the others are the same like to begin. It is the same lineup expected which managed the last two wins what means Maxim sit on bench again. Because youngster Özcan is on fire with 1 goal and 3 assists in 2 games. Therefore no surprises expected from Coach Luhukay.
After having some problems in cup and league Heidenheim played some test friendlies to get some self confidence back. Against lower division teams like Dorfmerkingen 3-0 and Jahn Regensburg 2-1 they won both tests and the players got a lot of self confidence back. Above all Halloran and Finne who scored twice. Coach Schmidt was very pleased with this good matches and he hopes that they can continue the better way now. Both Scorer has some hope to move into the starting lineup now but it would be very tough as well because against Regensburg missed they some players due to illness. All these guys are back and starts of course what let them sit on the bench again anyway. Only Finne can remain in the starting lineup although he was very weak against Würzburg. Nevertheless Coach Schmidt has a lot to choose and all positions are double digit therefore he can plan his starting lineup whatever he needs against each opponent. Some youngsters make a lot of noise and put some pressure on the guys in starting eleven, sooner or later they get a chance.
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