Important first-team players such as Kevin Kurányi, Alexander Hleb, and Philipp Lahm were replaced with Jon Dahl Tomasson, Thomas Hitzlsperger, and Ludovic Magnin.

During Trapattoni's 20 games at the helm, Stuttgart produced poor results (5 wins, 12 draws, and 3 losses).

Denmark internationals Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Grønkjær openly criticised their coach, claiming he was afraid to attack.

With the atmosphere in the team worsening, he was sacked after just seven months, on 9 February 2006, reportedly for "not fulfilling the ambitions of the club".

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.