VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß expressed disappointment following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday, but remained optimistic about their future prospects against the Bundesliga champions.
Speaking after the match in Berlin, Hoeneß acknowledged Bayern’s quality was the deciding factor, despite feeling Stuttgart had moments of success in disrupting their opponents. He highlighted his team’s ability to win possession but lamented their inability to capitalize on those opportunities in the final third. “The frustration is definitely there, I’m disappointed,” Hoeneß said, according to reports. “We played this final to win it and for a certain period we did many things right, winning a lot of balls back. What we can and must blame ourselves for is that we didn’t make more from those situations.”
The Stuttgart coach specifically pointed to the impact of Bayern’s attacking players, Harry Kane and Michael Olise, recognizing their match-winning contributions. He conceded that limiting such quality is difficult for any opponent. “It’s bitter for the boys. Harry Kane and Michael Olise had brilliant moments again, and as an opponent there’s only so much you can do against that.”
Hoeneß was particularly effusive in his praise of Kane, describing him as a complete forward and acknowledging Bayern’s overall strength as a club. He stated that Stuttgart will eventually find a way to overcome Bayern, expressing confidence in his team’s development. “It’s the complete package that is Harry Kane, where you simply have to admit without envy that he’s a fantastic player and Bayern are doing a fantastic job. But eventually we will crack Bayern, I know that.”
The coach also took the opportunity to praise goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, whose strong performances throughout the season may lead to a departure from Stuttgart. Hoeneß described Nübel as both a fantastic person and player, acknowledging the positive impact he had on the team. “Alex Nübel is a fantastic person and player, we’ve celebrated great moments together. We will miss him a lot — he’s a player I’ve really enjoyed working with.” Nübel was on loan from Bayern Munich, and his future remains uncertain.
Stuttgart enjoyed a successful Bundesliga campaign under Hoeneß, finishing second and securing Champions League qualification. The Pokal final defeat represents a missed opportunity for silverware, but the club’s progress under Hoeneß has been significant. This result is unlikely to derail their momentum as they prepare for a return to Europe’s elite competition.
