Stuttgart manager extends contract until 2028, rules out move to Leipzig

Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has extended his contract by another year, committing to the Bundesliga side until 2028.

The club officially announced the news on Saturday, ending mounting speculation that the 41-year-old could leave for a potential move to RB Leipzig at the end of the season. By tying down their manager and his assistant, David Krecidlo, Stuttgart has made a clear statement about its long-term vision and commitment to continuity.

Since taking over in April 2023, Hoeness has orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent Bundesliga history. When he arrived, Stuttgart were in serious danger of relegation, struggling to find form or direction. But under his leadership, the team not only avoided the drop but went on to finish an astonishing second in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season only behind the dominant champions Bayer Leverkusen. That rise, from a relegation scrap to a Champions League qualification spot in the space of a year, earned Hoeness widespread acclaim across German football.

His renewal had become a hot topic in recent weeks, especially with RB Leipzig reportedly eyeing him as a successor in the event of a coaching change. However, Hoeness chose to stay loyal to the project he’s building in Stuttgart, where he has not only gained the trust of the club's hierarchy but also the respect and affection of the fans. His ability to develop young talent, implement a clear tactical philosophy, and extract consistent performances from the squad has made him one of the most promising coaches in the league.

Hoeness, who is the nephew of Bayern Munich president and club legend Uli Hoeness, has forged his own path in football management. Before joining Stuttgart, he had already shown promise during his time at Hoffenheim and with Bayern Munich’s reserve team. But it’s at Stuttgart where he has truly come into his own, showing maturity beyond his years and a deep understanding of how to manage both the game and the environment around it.

“We want and need to continue giving everything, on all levels, to achieve long-term success. That means strengthening our squad,” Hoeness said in the official club statement. His comments reflect a clear intent not just to maintain current standards, but to elevate the team even further in the years to come.

Stuttgart’s sporting director also hailed the extension as a crucial step in the club’s strategic planning. “Sebastian has brought stability, identity, and ambition to this team. Extending his contract was a priority for us, and we’re delighted he’s staying committed to our journey,” he said.

The team currently sits 10th in the Bundesliga after 26 matchdays, with 37 points a solid position in what has been a competitive and unpredictable campaign. Despite not replicating last season’s sensational finish, the squad remains highly competitive, and under Hoeness’s guidance, expectations remain high for a strong finish to the season.

In addition to their league campaign, Stuttgart is also still in the hunt for silverware. They are set to face RB Leipzig in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) a match that could see Hoeness go head-to-head with the very club he was rumored to be joining. A place in the final would not only be a remarkable achievement for the coach but also a chance for Stuttgart to end a long wait for major domestic honors.

The decision to renew Hoeness’s contract is more than just a managerial extension; it’s a vote of confidence in a broader project that has brought pride back to Stuttgart fans. With talented players emerging from the academy, a competitive squad, and a coach with a clear vision, the club appears to be building for a sustainable and successful future.