Stuttgart’s recent history can be split into two parts: before Sebastian Hoeneß’s appointment as head coach, and after his arrival. Since winning the Bundesliga title in 2006/07, the Swabians spent much of the following 16 years in the lower half of the top flight, even playing two seasons in Bundesliga 2.
They were in danger of returning to the second tier once more following their 3-0 loss to Union Berlin on Matchday 26 of the 2022/23 campaign, a result which left them bottom of the table and two points adrift of the relegation play-off spot. At that stage, Hoeneß’s sole senior job had been a two-year stint at Hoffenheim, yet he was still given a chance to prove himself at the MHPArena.
