Having spent a reported 69 million euros (95 million dollars) by recruiting the likes of Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni, German striker Miroslav Klose and French midfielder Franck Ribery, Veh says Bayern must be favourites for the German title. "Bayern have strengthened their squad with some big names, so for that reason, I'd make them favourites," said Veh, whose side have just finished their pre-season training camp in Austria.

"(Werder) Bremen and Schalke will also be up there, but we have only lost (goalkeeper) Timo Hildebrand while we have strengthened our squad, so I'm convinced we'll play a vital role again this season."

And Veh also admitted Stuttgart are hoping to sign 21-year-old Romanian striker Ciprian Marcia, who has also been linked to Manchester City, from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

"It's no secret that we would like to sign Ciprian Marica," admitted Veh.

"Even if that doesn't work out, we are prepared and have other candidates in mind."

Meanwhile, Stuttgart's opening Bundesliga game of the new season against last season's runner-up Schalke 04 at the 58,000 capacity Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadium on August 10 is already completely sold out.