VfB Stuttgart exec implies squad might have worn itself out in first half during loss to Bayern Munich

BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Luca Jaquez of VfB Stuttgart crosses the ball as FC Bayern Munich fans set off flares during the DFB Cup Final 2026 match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Olympiastadion on May 23, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Reinaldo Coddou H. /Getty Images) | Getty Images VfB Stuttgart board member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth was proud of the way his team played during its 3-o loss to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal.

In analyzing the game, though, Wohlgemuth thinks that the squad’s insane, all-out first half effort might have zapped it of the requisite energy it needed after halftime. “In the end, in the final match of a long competition, only the result counts – and that was clear. Nevertheless, we didn’t let ourselves be outplayed and I think we can leave the pitch with our heads held high.

The first half, in particular, was very special; we had a lot to offer FC Bayern. The second half then belonged more to Bayern. Perhaps the first half was too intense because we played a lot of man-to-man up front.

We had the majority of the scoring chances and defended very cleanly. But of course, that takes a lot of energy, and naturally, we struggled to maintain that pace in the second half,” Wohlgemuth said (as captured by FCBayerrn. com ).