Sebastian Hoeneß took over the reins at VfB Stuttgart on 3 April 2023 with the club at the bottom of the Bundesliga standings. By the end of the season the team had finished in 16th and secured their top-flight status thanks to two victories (3-0 and 3-1) over Hamburger SV in the relegation play-offs.
The following campaign was one of a remarkable turnaround, as Hoeneß led his charges to a runners-up finish in the Bundesliga. That brought with it qualification for the UEFA Champions League in 2024/25, a season which culminated in the 4-2 triumph over Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB Cup final on 24 May. In turn, that feat means VfB will play in the Europa League in 2025/26.
Another positive indication of Sebastian Hoeneß’s work is in the continued development of his players, with numerous VfB squad members becoming senior internationals. So much so that VfB has repeatedly provided the largest contingent of any club in recent Germany squads.
“I’m in the right place”
The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on Saturday 16 August will be Hoeneß’s 100th competitive game in charge of the club. His impressive record so far stands at 55 wins, 17 draws and 27 defeats.
“Moving to VfB felt completely right back then, and it still feels just as right today,” said the coach in March 2025 after extending his contract at VfB until 2028. “I’m in the right place here.”
