According to Bild, Stuttgart have appointed Deniz Undav as captain, with the forward taking the armband from Atakan Karazor. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß announced the decision on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of the Bundesliga opener against Bayern, scheduled for Friday at 12:30 UTC (CEST).

Regarding Undav's appointment as captain, Hoeneß said: "Deniz is a player I've been in close contact with for years, and we've discussed specific tactical issues on the field. Given his standing in the team, he already speaks up on the pitch and can serve as an extension of me. As for his importance to the club, the city, and the region, there's not much more to say. He embodies Stuttgart's success, so this was a logical decision."

As a top scorer, Germany international, and now Stuttgart captain, Undav has enjoyed a successful summer. Karazor's situation is quite different. After Grisha Prömel joined the squad, competition in midfield intensified, and Karazor has largely lost his starting position. Now he must also relinquish the captain's armband. Hoeneß commented: "I can only say that Atakan is someone who fully deserves to have been Stuttgart's captain. As captain, he continued the success story that began in our first season. He will always be remembered for lifting the German Cup trophy. I want to thank him for that."

Last Friday, when Stuttgart defeated Rostock 4-0 in the German Cup, Undav already led the team as captain. This Friday, the striker will lead the side again. In the Bundesliga season opener, Undav will see whether he can inspire Stuttgart to pull off the season's first major upset. To do so, ending his scoring drought against Bayern would be ideal. He has failed to score in his previous seven matches against Bayern, and perhaps the captain's armband will bring him fresh luck.

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