Dream Start in the DFB Cup
The 21-year-old striker Dzenan Pejcinovic scored a hat-trick for VfB Stuttgart in his debut DFB-Cup match against Hansa Rostock. The transfer from Wolfsburg was completed for 25 million euros. The game finished 4:0 (2:0) and Pejcinovic showcased impressive pace and finishing ability in his first official appearance for the Swedes. “Honestly, I didn’t expect this,” the 21-year-old said after the match. “It’s great to have such a debut. It gives a good feeling for the next games.”
The Transfer and Expectations
VfB Stuttgart had decided on Pejcinovic from the start and considered no other options. “We fought for him,” explained coach Sebastian Hoeneß. “It was clear early on for him and for us that we wanted to do this. Now he’s here. That was a dream debut for the young man.” Hoeneß stressed that it was now the club’s job to manage the immediate hype. The 21-year-old turned down offers from FC Porto, SC Freiburg and Benfica Lisbon and remains with Stuttgart.
Outlook for the Bundesliga
Sport director Fabian Wohlgemuth spoke about Pejcinovic’s development: “He will develop. He will stabilize further in the Bundesliga. And then the path could eventually lead there.” Wohlgemuth sees the young striker as a potential candidate for the rebuild of the German national team under new coach Jürgen Klopp, but said it is still too early to discuss.
The club starts the new Bundesliga season on Friday against the champion FC Bayern Munich. Wohlgemuth said: “Maybe the timing isn’t so bad. Who knows where Bayern stands. We can only guess. We’re definitely in a good position for the game today. That’s why I’m looking forward to the Bundesliga opener in Munich, where we certainly won’t be hopeless.”
Conclusion
Pejcinovic’s debut has left a strong impression and has sparked fan hopes of a quick rise to the German national team. With a 25-million-euro transfer and an impressive debut, Stuttgart now faces an exciting challenge to establish the young striker in the Bundesliga while managing the hype around him.
