New bottom of the league: VfB Stuttgart reels on the way to relegation

MWith another defeat, the situation for VfB Stuttgart in the fight against relegation from the Bundesliga is becoming increasingly difficult. 0:1 (0:0) against Wolfsburg was another setback for the Swabians on Saturday. In a long-range duel with their rivals in the fight for the preservation of the class, the Swabians slipped from coach Bruno Labbadia to last place in the table.

In front of 44,900 spectators, former VfB striker Omar Marmoush decided the game for Wolfsburg with a goal in the 56th minute. The team of coach Niko Kovacs from Lower Saxony had a welcome sense of accomplishment to keep up in the race for international places. In the final phase, Stuttgart demanded a manual penalty when substitute Enzo Millo fired at Sebastian Bornau, but referee Felix Brych refused the penalty.

It was a disappointing reunion with his former club for Labbadia. In the 2017/18 season, he saved Lower Saxony from relegation and turned them into a Europa League participant the following season. This fight is special only because his current employer, VfB, urgently needs three points, the coach emphasized before his tenth appearance for the team from Stuttgart. Again nothing happened.

Vagnoman initially on the bench

New national player Josh Wagnoman is having a hard time with the 57-year-old Labbadia – and even after his first nomination for upcoming internationals, he only remained on the bench until the deficit ended. From there, the right-back had to watch for a tough first half. After the first quarter of an hour without incident, there was only momentary momentum with first chances.

Gil Diaz of Stuttgart forced Cohen Castiles of Wolfsburg to make a save (16 minutes). On the other hand, VfB goalkeeper Fabian Bradlow kept Jakub Kaminsky (17th) from falling behind with his brilliant reaction. Wolfsburg midfielder Felix Nmecha, like Wagnoman as one of the five newcomers in the national team coach Hansi Flick, shot just before the break from the edge of the penalty area (45th), but shot over it. Labbadia was preparing for a “war of attrition.” He must be right.

The Swabians had to replace their top scorer Serah Ghirassi for a few weeks due to an adductor injury. This time around, incumbent winger Silas Katompa Mwumpa was the replacement at the top. However, it was not possible to better integrate the attacker into the VfB game. Silas hardly touched the ball, Born Sosa’s crosses were not a suitable means and often did not find the performer.

In defense, the hosts did not consistently defend against Marmus. The Wolfsburg player had space, he marched and defeated the VfB goalkeeper Bradlow from about 20 meters. Labbadia then made four changes, including Wagnoman, Enzo Millot, Tanguy Coulibaly, and Thiago Thomas. Millo (77′) got no more than one chance – it was VfB’s first chance in a long time. The second goal of Kevin Paredes (64th) in Wolfsburg was not counted due to offside.