VfB Stuttgart celebrates goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow after his first win of the season

Four different goalscorers secured VfB Stuttgart's first win of the season in the Bundesliga. But after the 4-1 win against 1. FC Köln, the Swabians' fans didn't celebrate any of them, but goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow. The supporters paid their respects to the 31-year-old with chants after the final whistle. Bredlow stood out from the line of celebrating VfB professionals - and was happy about the special applause.

“It’s definitely good for him, he totally deserves it,” said VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß. “We know what we have in Fabi, I’ve known that since I’ve been here.”

Bredlow has been a valued deputy at the Swabians for years. Since this summer, however, he has been in particular focus because of the thigh injury suffered by number one goalkeeper Dennis Seimen - and he is convincing. Those in charge at Stuttgart were obviously right in deciding not to sign a replacement despite Seimen's loss.

Against Cologne, Bredlow saved VfB from the threat of an equalizer at the start of the second half. Bilal El Khannouss gave the hosts the lead in the first half. Grischa Prömel, Ermedin Demirovic and Josha Vagnoman made the decision with their goals.

Sports director Wohlgemuth praises the way discussions are handled

Bredlow dealt with the public discussions that arose during the summer break about signing a replacement for Seimen “silently and professionally,” praised sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth. The veteran has matured into a player who has shown in the last two games that he belongs in the first eleven. A week ago, Bredlow prevented an even bigger defeat in the 5-1 away defeat against FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga opening game.

“We have always said that it’s not about Fabi’s qualities at all, it’s more about the quantity,” reported Hoeneß. It could become problematic if Bredlow also gets injured. “Otherwise we haven’t really given much thought to doing anything there.”

Bredlow is likely to continue to be in the spotlight in the coming weeks. Seimen's return is not expected until October after the international break.