Hoeneß leaves VfB Stuttgart captaincy question open

VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß is keeping his options open regarding the team's captaincy for the upcoming season, with a decision expected closer to the DFB-Pokal match against Hansa Rostock on August 21.

Hoeneß stated that he is not contemplating the captaincy during test matches but acknowledged that a decision will be made eventually. He expressed satisfaction with Atakan Karazor's performance over the past two years, during which Karazor held the captain's armband after taking over from Waldemar Anton, who moved to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024.

Regarding the goalkeeping position, Hoeneß conveyed a sense of calm despite the absence of Dennis Seimen due to a hamstring injury. He has confidence in backup goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow and also praised the performance of Marius Funk. Hoeneß anticipates Seimen will be sidelined until at least the end of September, expecting a normal recovery process.

VfB's sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, however, offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting Seimen's recovery might be faster than initially anticipated. Wohlgemuth also did not rule out the possibility of signing another goalkeeper in the short term.

VfB Stuttgart is scheduled to play a friendly match against FC Everton on Saturday. Their Bundesliga campaign begins on August 28 with an opening match against league champions FC Bayern Munich.