“We want to provide plenty of joy”

The VfB Stuttgart first-team squad began their 2025/26 pre-season preparations on Wednesday morning, accompanied by approximately 1,000 spectators.

“It’s fantastic that so many fans have come along to watch the start of training,” said CEO Alexander Wehrle of the session, which was streamed live on VfB TV. “Together with them, we want to provide plenty of joy and be as successful as possible in all three competitions in the upcoming season.” 

Internationals still on holiday 

The Red-and-White faithful got a first sighting of newcomers Lorenz Assignon (signed from Stade Rennes, France) and Lazar Jovanovic (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia) alongside their new colleagues, but Noah Darvich (Barcelona, Spain) trained individually due to muscular complaints. He should be able to participate in full sessions in the next seven to ten days. 

Alexander Nübel, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic were all still absent from training, having been on international duty over the summer, but they will join in on Saturday 12 July. Nick Woltemade will return at the start of the training camp on 28 July.

Jacob Bruun Larsen is carrying a slight knock and therefore worked individually, while Leonidas Stergiou is currently undergoing his rehabilitation in Switzerland. French midfielder Enzo Millot was unavailable due to personal reasons. Silas and Juan Perea, who are back in Stuttgart following the completion of their loan spells, were both missing due to injury. 

Youth players with the first team

Six academy players trained with the first team on Wednesday afternoon: Efe Korkut, Lauri Penna, Christopher Olivier and Mirza Catovic from the U21s; Salvatore Mule and Nils Richter from the U19s. A number of other youth players will be given a taste of training with the senior pros in the coming days.