VfB Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav acknowledged the disappointment of Saturday’s 3-0 DFB-Pokal final loss to FC Bayern Munich, but emphasized the team’s overall positive season despite the result. Speaking after the match in Berlin, Undav stated that while watching Bayern celebrate was difficult, the positive feelings surrounding Stuttgart’s campaign outweighed the defeat.
Undav highlighted a lack of precision in key attacking moments as a contributing factor to the loss, noting that “a lot of little things didn’t work for us today - the final pass, the right timing with the pass.” Despite matching Bayern for significant periods, Stuttgart were unable to convert their opportunities, ultimately falling to a three-goal defeat.
The 28-year-old also addressed ongoing speculation regarding his future with the club, confirming he is currently awaiting a contract extension offer from Stuttgart. According to Undav, he is scheduled to join the German national team on Wednesday, leaving limited time for negotiations before his departure. He stated he must “wait for the contract offer” and see what develops in the coming days.
Undav joined Stuttgart last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise, quickly becoming a key player in Sebastian Hoeneß’s side. He finished the Bundesliga season as one of Stuttgart’s top scorers, contributing significantly to their unexpected title challenge and Champions League qualification. His 19 league goals were instrumental in securing a fourth-place finish, exceeding pre-season expectations.
Despite the loss, Undav maintained a positive outlook, joking about the team’s plans for the evening – a “frustration döner and a frustration celebration.” He reiterated his pride in the team’s accomplishments and expressed a desire to return to the Pokal final next year with the aim of winning the trophy. Stuttgart’s strong performance this season has raised expectations for the future, and retaining Undav will be crucial to maintaining their momentum.
Stuttgart’s impressive season, culminating in Champions League qualification, has significantly enhanced their appeal to players and increased their financial stability. The club will be keen to secure Undav’s long-term future as they prepare for the challenges of competing in both the Bundesliga and European competitions.
