VfB Stuttgart Under Pellegrino Matarazzo: A Comprehensive Tactical Analysis (2022-23)
Introduction: Stuttgart’s Evolving Identity
VfB Stuttgart, after a strong ninth-place Bundesliga finish in 2020-21, experienced turbulence the following season. Injuries sidelined key contributors like Silas Mvumpa and Sasa Kalajdzic, dampening performance and pushing the club toward the lower reaches of the table. In 2022-23, under Pellegrino Matarazzo, Stuttgart has sought stability, blending tactical flexibility with intelligent game management. This article dissects how Matarazzo has structured, adapted, and motivated his side through a challenging Bundesliga campaign.
Preferred Formation: The 3-5-2 Structure
Stuttgart commenced the season with a consistent 3-5-2 shape, relying on minimal adjustments to suit different opponents. Florian Müller stood in goal, supported by a trio of robust centre-backs—Konstantinos Mavropanos, Waldemar Anton, and Hiroki Ito. Mavropanos, a standout defender, excelled both on and off the ball, boasting a 100% tackle rate in one-on-ones and completing two-thirds of his dribbles. Anton provided leadership and a proclivity for progressive long passing, while Ito showcased composure and the ability to distribute accurately under pressure.
Wing-back positions saw rotation, but Borna Sosa reclaimed the left flank, thriving as a relentless, touchline-hugging creator known for accurate left-footed crosses. On the right, Josha Vagnoman added aerial prowess and energy. The midfield three offered balance: Wataru Endo anchored and screened diligently; Naouirou Ahamada provided dynamic, box-to-box movement; and Chris Führich offered versatility, at times advancing to join the front line in pressing scenarios.
The attacking pair shifted as the season progressed. Kalajdzic paired first with Tiago Tomas, but as chemistry and tactical demands warranted, Silas Mvumpa moved from wing-back to forward, complementing Kalajdzic’s aerial strength and hold-up play with pace and directness.
Build-Up Patterns and Progression Play
In possession, Stuttgart regularly adopted a four-man build-up with a single pivot, diverging from many three-at-the-back systems. Typically, Mavropanos and Ito operated wide, while Anton marshalled centrally. One of Endo or Ahamada would drop deep to form the ‘1’ in a 4+1 pattern, facilitating circulation and offering outlets to relieve pressure.
This structure provided flexibility:
– Centre-backs often played long diagonals to wing-backs or directly toward Kalajdzic, leveraging his aerial presence to escape opposition presses.
– Rotations in midfield, especially between Endo and Ahamada, allowed Stuttgart to fluidly adjust to defensive pressure while maintaining build stability.
– When direct play stalled, one-touch passing in wide and central areas encouraged patterns that opened the field for quick ball progression, often transitioning to a 3+3 offensive shape as both wing-backs pushed high.
Attacking Approach and Creativity in the Final Third
Stuttgart’s attacking play in 2022-23 was marked by variation and adaptability. Kalajdzic, a classic target man at 6’6″, was central to their advances—either receiving long balls or facilitating runners like Silas or Tomas with intelligent layoffs. Beyond his physical attributes, Kalajdzic evolved into a creative focal point, capable of serving as both finisher and playmaker.
Key attacking features included:
– Frequent use of long passes from the back to transition quickly and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.
– Wide overloads, particularly via Sosa, whose crosses routinely targeted Kalajdzic or caused chaos for opposition defenders.
– Rapid, ground-based combinations from midfield, allowing Ahamada and Führich to support attacks fluidly and unpredictably.
– Secondary scoring and chance creation threats from players like Vagnoman and the advancing centre-backs, especially during set pieces.
While the connection between Sosa and Kalajdzic held great potential, it occasionally lacked timing and consistency. Nevertheless, the dual threat of wing-based service and central interplay kept opposition defenses unsettled.
Defensive Principles and Out-of-Possession Tactics
Matarazzo prioritized tactical adaptability without sacrificing defensive solidity. Out of possession, Stuttgart primarily shifted into a 5-3-2 block, morphing dynamically based on in-game circumstances.
Core defensive traits:
– Preference for shape over aggressive counter-pressing: Stuttgart would retreat to re-establish compactness rather than swarm immediately.
– Willingness to allow opposition possession in non-dangerous areas, forcing direct play or lateral circulation, knowing air-dominant centre-backs could handle balls played long.
– Defensive flexibility: Situations often saw Stuttgart momentarily shift to formations resembling 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, depending on player positions at loss of possession and pressing triggers.
– Effective regaining of possession: Despite low pressing in the attacking third, Stuttgart maintained one of the Bundesliga’s highest tackle success rates, showing discipline and timing.
Key players like Anton, Endo, and Mavropanos consistently recorded pressure success rates above 40%, anchoring a defense comfortable operating in various blocks and capable of adapting pressing lines based on match flow.
Challenges and Areas for Growth
Despite tactical strides, Stuttgart faced a few persistent difficulties:
– Incomplete attacking fluency, especially in the final third, with the Sosa-Kalajdzic partnership not always reaching its full potential.
– Defensive vulnerabilities occasionally arose from over-commitment of wing-backs or advanced midfielders, leaving space for quick opposition transitions.
– Goalkeeping and sweeping responsibilities required refinement to minimize lapses during swift counterattacks.
These areas, if addressed, could transform Stuttgart from a resilient mid-table outfit to a genuine top-half contender.
Conclusion: Stuttgart’s Path Forward Under Matarazzo
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s leadership has instilled tactical intelligence and resilience in a Stuttgart side eager to re-establish itself in the Bundesliga. The team’s flexible 3-5-2 system, blend of direct and combinational play, and defensive discipline have laid a solid foundation. If attacking partnerships can be optimized and defensive transitions tightened, Stuttgart possesses the tools to climb the table and produce a season of progress and promise.
For further Bundesliga tactical deep-dives and analysis, explore related articles covering teams like Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen. Stay tuned for ongoing breakdowns of the latest football tactics and trends.
