Stuttgart Seek New Era As Arminia Bielefeld Eye History In German Cup

While victory in Saturday's German Cup final would confirm Stuttgart's return to the Bundesliga elite, for opponents Arminia Bielefeld it would represent a sensational breakthrough. Stuttgart, five-time league champions and three-time German Cup winners, have rebounded from years in the wilderness under coach Sebastian Hoeness. Bielefeld, meanwhile, are chasing the first major trophy in their 120-year history just days after sealing promotion from the German third tier. Only once has a team from outside the top flight won the German Cup: second-division Hannover in 1992.

Stuttgart 'elevated'

Even though their youth academy continued to churn out talent, Stuttgart had fallen away after winning their last Bundesliga title in 2006-07.

Stuttgart sat dead last in the Bundesliga and were staring at a third relegation in a decade, when they appointed Hoeness in April 2023.

Hoeness, the son of former West Germany international Dieter and the nephew of Bayern Munich powerbroker Uli, kept Stuttgart in the top flight via a relegation playoff.

A season later, he guided the club to second place -- 40 points better than the previous season -- and back into the Champions League.

This season, Stuttgart finished in mid-table as they juggled European commitments and their German Cup run, but the future remains bright.

The sought-after Hoeness extended his deal to 2028 in March. Last year, local car giant Porsche pledged to take a 10.4 percent stake in Stuttgart, bringing 100 million euros ($112 million) into the club coffers.

On Thursday, five Stuttgart players were named as part of Germany's 26-man Nations League squad, a number which only Bayern could match.

Hoeness said Stuttgart had a chance to "really elevate our season" on