VfB Stuttgart's Europa League Penalty Woes Continue Amid Video Check Delays
VfB Stuttgart's penalty troubles were on full display again in their Europa League loss to FC Basel, with video check delays contributing to missed opportunities and prompting calls for urgent improvement.
- • Stuttgart lost 0:2 against FC Basel, missing a crucial penalty in the process.
- • Seven of their last eleven penalties have been missed, leaving a 36% success rate.
- • A lengthy video check disrupted Demirovic's penalty rhythm, impacting the shot.
- • Coach Hoeneß and Sport director Wohlgemuth emphasize the mental and technical challenges involved.
- • The team aims to regroup before their next Bundesliga match against 1. FC Heidenheim.
Key details
VfB Stuttgart suffered a frustrating 0:2 defeat to FC Basel in the Europa League, once again highlighting their prolonged penalty-taking difficulties. The team has now missed seven out of their last eleven penalties, bringing their success rate down to 36%, a statistic acknowledged as alarming by both players and management. During the match, Ermedin Demirovic missed a crucial penalty in the 36th minute, which was saved by Basel's goalkeeper Marwin Hitz. This attempt was notably affected by a lengthy video review that disrupted Demirovic's rhythm, a factor Demirovic himself described as an "eklige Situation" (disgusting situation).
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß called the loss "a very annoying defeat," emphasizing the team's self-defeating play and referring to the penalty struggles as both a mental and technical challenge. Maximilian Mittelstädt echoed the need for better execution, highlighting that despite 29 shots on goal, the team failed to capitalize due to their ongoing penalty issues. Sport director Fabian Wohlgemuth labeled the loss "unnecessary" and "bitter," underscoring the urgency to improve penalty conversions. With this defeat, Stuttgart now turns their focus to their upcoming Bundesliga match against 1. FC Heidenheim. Wohlgemuth urged the team to quickly regroup and address the psychological and technical aspects hindering their penalty success.