Losilla becomes an assistant coach
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Relegation VfL Bochum already focuses on the upcoming second division season and the squad planning before the last Bundesliga match day. “I think we should do little experiments. We already need players who can make us better,” said coach Dieter Hecking before the away game at FC St. Pauli on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky).
“It can be young players who want to take their next step, or the 32-year-old who can be a leader. The puzzle needs to be put and we need patience,” emphasized the 60-year-old. He was convinced that VfL Bochum could offer many players in the 2nd Bundesliga a good perspective. “Another football will have to be in the 2nd league, we will have to have a significantly more possession of the ball than now in the 1st league,” said Hecking, who had last extended his contract in Bochum until 2027.
With the current players, he is in exchange, according to the VfL coach. “There are players who will be here next season. There are those who are looking for a new challenge. This is the football business,” said Hecking. The transfer window is still open for a long time. “I cannot say binding who comes and goes. The rumor mill cooks. I can say zero zero today, which rumors apply.”
Hecking: VfL Bochum squad planning runs very intensely
The squad planning is “very intensive”, emphasized Hecking and criticized: “As far as our Scoutin Division is concerned, I was not very happy in the end, so I would have liked more preliminary work.” The construction sites are the same as in relegation. “We need mentality, speed. But many clubs need that,” said Hecking, who has to do without Tom Krauss (23), Ivan Ordets (32) and Mohammed Tolba (20) in the last game of the season.
In addition to the four rental players, only the departures of the veteran Anthony Losilla (39) and Cristian Gamboa (35) have been officially confirmed. The captain will hang out his football shoes and strengthen Hecking’s team. “Toto will act as the third assistant coach. He will have the task of a transition trainer and accompany the young players on their way to professional football,” confirmed Hecking. “He would like to do something in the coaching area, that’s the first steps.” In the end, however, it should be around 15 professionals who leave VfL.
“The business has changed, there are no major club loyalty these days,” said Hecking. “Everyone has their ideas in their heads, but squad planning is not rocket science.” He sees Mats Pannewig (20) as the face of the future, and his contract valid by 2026 should be extended promptly. Against St. Pauli, the midfield talent can look forward to further time. “Mats will get his platform and play from the start,” said Hecking. It will be the second starting fine in the 14th game.