Stuttgart might have lost many of their starters in the summer due to the relegation, but the Swabians showed character and belief in a young manager, which in the end earned them not just a return to the top flight straight away but also the bragging right to be called Bundesliga 2 champions.
Early on things were far from smooth though and the controversial coach Luhukay had arguments with many of his players about tactics, formation and everything else possible even before the campaign started. Stuttgart recorded two wins and two defeats in the opening four rounds which, considering the major change in personnel, wasn’t that bad, but it was obvious that Luhukay lost the trust of his men. The Board stepped in and sacked the controversial boss only to take the bold decision and appoint the U19’s boss Hannes Wolf in charge. The 35-year-old coach had his hands full as this was his first senior experience as a manager, but very quickly his enthusiasm affected everyone and Stuttgart won eight of the first eleven games since Wolf’s appointment.
All campaign Terodde was the well-known goal machine inside the box and Stuttgart were able to rely on him even when things were getting tough. Ginczeck’s fitness was also managed carefully and come the end of the season he was playing very well. Mane and Asano also proved to be great finds for the wide position, while captain Gentner was given complete freedom to roam wherever he wanted on the pitch and he thanked for the trust with constantly solid displays.
Slight hick up proved to be the back-to-back defeats to end 2016, which left Stuttgart just outside the top two for the winter break, but the Swabians started the new year with five consecutive wins and come March they seemed to be heading up for certain.
This was when a slight drop of form brought four draws and a defeat in the next five rounds, which made the promotion race really exciting and close. However, the players had full trust in Wolf and, with Maxim also finding his feet late in the campaign, Stuttgart enjoyed another run of five consecutive wins between rounds 28 and 32, which was enough to confirm their promotion and as it turned out to give them the top spot.
