Stuttgart coach Giovanni Trapattoni remains upbeat, despite the 2-1 home defeat to Hamburg.

Stuttgart slipped to 13th in the Bundesliga after Wednesday’s result, but Trapattoni took heart from his side’s second half display.

“After the break we turned the game around, were more aggressive and played a lot better,” he told the club’s official website.

“After equalising we had a few good chances and could have won the game.

“This unlucky defeat should not be a step backwards for us.

“This season is still a long way from finished and a team with a strong character can still achieve a lot.”

Trapattoni’s position is not entirely secure following his side’s start to the season which has seen Stuttgart collect just six points from their opening six matches.