VfB Stuttgart faces tasks after final friendly loss

VfB Stuttgart concluded their summer preparations with a 1-0 defeat against English Premier League side FC Fulham in their final competitive friendly. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß acknowledged that the match highlighted areas needing improvement as the team heads into the final week before the new season.

Timothy Castagne's 67th-minute goal secured the victory for Fulham at Craven Cottage. Earlier in the day, VfB had won a private training ground match against Fulham 2-0, featuring a debut goal from new signing Dzenan Pejcinovic and another from Chema Andres.

Hoeneß commented on the team's performance, stating, "In the first game, we needed fifteen minutes to get going and then showed a decent performance. In the second game, the first 15 minutes were good, but the rest less so." He specifically pointed out difficulties in their "game against the ball" which also led to "uncleanliness" in their own possession.

Goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow made several saves to prevent further goals, while Fulham's former Bundesliga keeper Bernd Leno also had a strong showing. This loss marks Stuttgart's first defeat of the summer, following earlier draws and wins against various opponents. The team's focus now shifts to the DFB-Pokal first round match against Hansa Rostock on Friday, followed by their Bundesliga season opener against record champions FC Bayern Munich on August 28.