VfB fans celebrate backup goalkeeper Bredlow after first Bundesliga win

Four different scorers secured VfB Stuttgart’s first Bundesliga win of the season, but none received the loudest applause. After the 4-1 victory over 1. FC Cologne, Stuttgart fans celebrated backup goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow with chants and a special ovation.

The 31-year-old stepped away from the line of celebrating VfB players to accept the applause. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß said the recognition should mean a lot to Bredlow. “That will certainly do him good, and he totally deserves it,” Hoeneß said. “We know what we have in Fabi. I have known that since I arrived here.”

“

That will certainly do him good, and he totally deserves it.

Bredlow has long been a valued deputy in Stuttgart. Since this summer, however, he has faced greater attention because Dennis Seimen, the planned No. 1 goalkeeper, is out with a thigh injury. Bredlow has responded convincingly, including an important save at the start of the second half against Cologne that prevented a possible equalizer.

“

We know what we have in Fabi. I have known that since I arrived here.

Stuttgart’s decision not to sign another goalkeeper during Seimen’s absence now appears to have been justified. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised Bredlow for handling the summer debate “quietly and professionally” and said the experienced keeper had shown in his last two matches that he belonged in the starting lineup. Bredlow had also prevented an even heavier defeat in Stuttgart’s 5-1 loss away to Bayern Munich in the opening match.

Seimen is not expected back until after the October international break, so Bredlow is likely to remain in the spotlight. Hoeneß said the issue involved the squad’s depth rather than doubts about Bredlow’s ability, while acknowledging the situation could become difficult if the backup also gets injured.

“

quietly and professionally