VfL Bochum coach Reis “would like to continue” – backed by Zoller

After the next bankruptcy

Thomas Reis would like to continue coaching VfL Bochum after the sixth defeat in six games of the season, the worst start in Bundesliga history at that point in time. “I would like to continue to overthrow the buck with the team,” said Reis after the 1: 3 on Saturday at district rivals FC Schalke 04 on “Sky”. “We have the next game next week and will do everything we can to get the first points.” He saw a team “that was absolutely willing,” added the coach. “I’d like to continue because I say this is my team.” After the next defeat, the coach of the bottom of the table should now be under more pressure than ever.

Analyzing the game, Reis said: “I can only congratulate the opponent for the sixth time, it’s very annoying. In the first 20 minutes we gave Schalke too much space. After that we got into the game better and put Schalke under a lot of pressure. We started well in the second half and deserved to equalize, but we didn’t push enough. It was a game with a lot of emotions. But in the end we are left empty-handed. It’s very difficult today. We have invested a lot, the players are exhausted. The fans gave us outstanding support.”

VfL Bochum’s Simon Zoller supports coach Thomas Reis

Meanwhile, veteran Simon Zoller has campaigned for coach Reis to stay, despite the ongoing lack of success. “This coach came three years ago and pulled us out of the shit. We have written a success story for three years. And VfL Bochum plays in the Bundesliga. That’s where the coach is most involved,” said the attacker. Reis led VfL to the Bundesliga two years ago and to staying in the league last season.

Also in the Bochum forum at Transfermarkt, Reis continues to get backing. “CrRonaldo232” writes: “For me it’s clear: rice has to stay. The team was never without a chance, if the squad had enough quality, they would have clinched victories. As long as the effort is right, you should stick with Reis.” “Special-F” also says: “I firmly assume that Reis will also be on the bench against Cologne. If that goes wrong, you can react during the international break. But I stick to the fact that no coach in the world will hold the class with this squad and also no coach can turn off the many individual bucks. A lot of players played at their absolute limit last season and can’t confirm this form – they simply can’t do better, I don’t deny anyone’s will.”

After the sixth game without a point, the coach, who was hired in September 2019, has to worry about his job. Media reports about alleged negotiations with FC Schalke during this summer break had further worsened the already tense atmosphere in Bochum in recent weeks. Reis’ contract in Bochum expires in 2023, and he is said to have already rejected several offers to extend it. The recently interrupted contract talks should actually be continued during the World Cup break.

The club had given neither a public ultimatum nor a job guarantee before the game. “We are involved in competitive sports, so results are an important ingredient,” said the new head of sports, Patrick Fabian, to the newspapers of the “Funke Mediengruppe”. Reis hopes that he will be spared a leave of absence despite the recent defeat: “I’ve had three great years here so far. I would like to have more great years here. I’ve achieved a lot in Bochum, that’s not the end of the road for me.”

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