Stuttgart suffered a bitter defeat in the top match due to two late goals. However, this loss was not the sole reason for the supporters’ fury.
Tensions soared during injury time of the Bundesliga top match in Stuttgart. Borussia Dortmund scored twice within two minutes, leading to confrontations, heated discussions, and even several VfB fans climbing into the stadium interior. A folding chair was reportedly thrown onto the pitch.
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav later clarified the exact events. «Apparently, there was a provocative celebration,» the 29-year-old stated. Karim Adeyemi, who scored Dortmund’s first goal (0-1 in the 90.+4 minute), had seemingly put his finger to his lips to silence the VfB supporters, Undav explained, noting, «because I had done the same thing in the first leg.»
The Stuttgart fans were reportedly enraged by the Dortmund player’s gesture, but also likely due to what they perceived as a lack of resistance from VfB players against the Dortmund provocation. «There was a miscommunication with the fans,» Undav explained, who went into the curve (fan section) after the match to seek dialogue.
VfB Stuttgart Lacked Clinical Finishing Against Dortmund
Undav’s disappointment over the defeat was palpable. VfB clearly dominated the game but lacked the necessary attacking power to break through Dortmund’s compact defense.
«In such a game, it’s crucial to capitalize on the small moments,» said the striker, who is the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer with 18 goals. «I didn’t have those opportunities at all. They (Dortmund) are clinical, and we, unfortunately, were not.»
Relationship with Julian Nagelsmann? «The Issue is Settled, All’s Well»
Undav declined to elaborate further on his role in the German national team and his standing with national coach Julian Nagelsmann, who had notably criticized him despite scoring the winning goal in Monday’s 2-1 victory against Ghana.
«The issue is settled, all good. I’ve spoken with the national coach. For me, it’s simply important to keep performing and help the team achieve something significant,» Undav stated. «I will always give my all for that, whether I play one minute or 90. The rest is irrelevant. The uproar was naturally massive, but everything is fine between us.»
In Nagelsmann’s tactical plans, Undav is primarily viewed as a reserve player who performs particularly well coming off the bench. The national coach had clarified that the striker’s goal in the World Cup warm-up match did not alter this assessment.
Deniz Undav: His Current Season Statistics
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 23 | 13 | 3011 |