Bruno Labbadia is no longer head coach at VfB Stuttgart, which is threatened with relegation. His successor has already been determined.
As the Swabians announced on Monday, Sebastian Hoeneß will take over for Labbadia with immediate effect. He was given a non-league contract until June 30, 2025.
He will be on the Stuttgart coaching bench in the duel in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup at second division club 1. FC Nürnberg on Wednesday (6:00 p.m. / Sky).
“We would like to thank Bruno Labbadia for the work he has done. We signed Bruno last December because we were firmly convinced that we could start a turnaround with him. Bruno has worked with the team from day one with great commitment and great passion, unfortunately “But this didn’t pay off in the form of points. Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that we needed a new impetus,” said VfB CEO Alexander Wehrle.
Hoeneß has “already gained important experience in the Bundesliga and, as a coach, knows the youth and transition areas very well. We are certain that Sebastian is the right coach for the upcoming challenges and that he will master this difficult situation together with the team “Said the Stuttgart club boss.
VfB Stuttgart: “Turnaround not successful”
Under Labbadia, the “turnaround did not succeed,” affirmed sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth. “Despite some good performances in the fight to stay up in the league, VfB have continued to lose ground in the past few weeks.”
The change of coach is “about the immediate effect, but also about what we want to do at VfB beyond the season,” added Wohlgemuth.
Hoeneß has “proven that he can lead teams and at the same time have a very positive influence on the development of individual players. As a coach, Sebastian knows both how to deal with top talent in the youth field and professional football – he will quickly find the right approach”. The 40-year-old is “the right man” for VfB Stuttgart.
Sebastian Hoeneß sees “three tasks” at VfB Stuttgart
Hoeneß, who last worked at 1899 Hoffenheim between 2020 and 2022, also commented on his new job: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge at VfB and thank you for the trust and the good discussions with those responsible. To VfB I have I have a great emotional connection. I was a fan of the club when I was young, I played here myself for several years and won the German championship title with the U17s in 1999.”
There are now “three tasks, in exactly this order: 1. To make the cup game in Nuremberg a success. 2. To stay up in the Bundesliga. 3. After the season, to carry out a clear analysis together with the sporting leadership, to take the necessary steps for a successful future for VfB Stuttgart.”
Labbadia’s dismissal comes as no surprise: in eleven games under his direction, VfB only won once and fell to the bottom of the table. The gap to 15th place is already five points.