VfB Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling: 'You have to be brave in Munich – but not reckless'
As VfB Stuttgart prepare for a defining run-in that includes a heavyweight clash with Bayern Munich and a high-stakes DFB Cup semi-final derby against Freiburg, winger Jamie Leweling sat down to discuss facing the champions, learning from the best, and why big occasions bring out the best in his side.
Bundesliga: A southern classic against Bayern Munich looms. What lessons did you learn in the reverse fixture, and how can you hurt them?
“I’d put it like this – even in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup we held our own well. In the end Bayern showed the quality they have. You could see it in the first Bundesliga game this season [when Stuttgart lost 5-0] as well. We have to play like we did in the first half. We have to really stand up to them and somehow try to stop their individual quality. I think we can manage that. Of course, it’s going to be very difficult.”
Bundesliga: How many risks can you afford to take against Bayern?
“I do think you have to play with courage. In Munich especially you have to be very brave, but not reckless, because they punish basically every mistake, and they’re doing that consistently this season. You mustn’t lose your head, but still play with a lot of courage.”
Bundesliga: What can you learn from Bayern’s record-breaking attack?
“A lot, actually. The finishing of those three in attack [Harry Kane, Luis Díaz and Michael Olise] is unbelievable – the composure and conviction with which they put chances away is definitely something you can learn from. But also, their interplay and how they set each other up is world-class. You can take something from that too. Of course it’s difficult, but you can maybe add one or two things to your own game.”
Bundesliga: You have a tough schedule to finish the season, but everything’s in your own hands. How confident are you going into the run-in?
“Of course we have a tough run of fixtures, but I’d say those kinds of games suit us. We played well against Hoffenheim, which we maybe could have won in the first half of the season. We beat Bayer Leverkusen convincingly and we beat Eintracht Frankfurt, so these big games are our kinds of games – we can handle them and we can rely on that.”
Bundesliga: You were Bundesliga runners-up in 2023/24 and won the DFB Cup in 2024/25. What differentiates this season from previous ones?
“That’s a tough one. I’d say in the season where we finished runners-up, we only had the Bundesliga. This year we had the UEFA Europa League. That’s the difference. We were unlucky to go out of the DFB Cup against Leverkusen, who then went on to win it.
“I’d also say the expectations around the club are different now. After finishing as runners-up, everyone said VfB Stuttgart are now a top club in Germany. Under that pressure we’ve developed and even won the DFB Cup. This year, we can do it again and qualify for the Champions League once more.”
Watch: Leweling's Stuttgart best bits
Bundesliga: With seven goals and seven assists, you’re enjoying your best-ever season. Where have you improved?
“I’d say I’ve clearly improved in my finishing. I’ve improved in front of goal. Of course it can still get better, but I’m satisfied for now that I’m having my best season in terms of goal contributions. I think there’s still more to build on, but for now, I’m happy.”
Bundesliga: Where would you still like to improve?
“Scoring more goals and getting more assists. It’s as simple as that.”
Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart have plenty of international players. What does that say about the club?
“It shows that very good work [has been done]. You also have to say that we have a lot of German players, so naturally it’s a bit easier for many to become internationals. We’re all in good form again this year, and we can definitely provide one or two players for the 2026 World Cup.”
Bundesliga: Where can the team still develop?
“We have a pretty good foundation. There’s still room to go higher and get better. We can improve in certain areas, as we saw against Porto, for example. We’re not quite ruthless enough yet, but other than that we play top football. We just need to become a bit nastier and win those kinds of games.”
Bundesliga: Is the team still a little short of experience?
“We’re very young. That’s something we’re still missing, but we still have time to earn it.”
Bundesliga: After playing Bayern, up next is a DFB Cup semi-final derby against Freiburg. What are you expecting from that tie?
“It’s an even match-up. We lost 3–1 there in the Bundesliga earlier this season, and at our place we won narrowly through a wondergoal from Ermedin Demirović. It’s a derby and a semi-final – they want to reach the final, we want to reach the final. It’ll be a very tight game. They’ll try everything to get through, but we also have the tools to beat them.”
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