Reaction to Sissoko’s departure
©IMAGO
After the departure of Ibrahima Sissoko (28), VfL Bochum reacted and signed test player Marcel Sobottka. The 31-year-old, who has been part of the team since training began at the beginning of the year, signed a working paper until the end of the season. The midfielder has been without a club since last summer after his contract with Fortuna Düsseldorf was not extended after ten years. Uwe Rösler also trained him there.
“I appreciated his abilities there, including in terms of leadership. His footballing qualities are beyond question; now, after the long break, it’s about getting back into the rhythm of stress. The steps taken so far, including his 80 minutes in the test match, are having a positive effect,” emphasized the Bochum coach, who used Sobottka in 44 of 53 games at Fortuna. He contributed five goals and four assists.
Sobottka, who will be given the number 31 shirt, added: “It’s a privilege that I have a short journey to Bochum and that my family can always be there when VfL plays at home. The two-week trial period was sensible and useful for getting to know the team. The boys made it super easy for me and gave me a great welcome. The team has top character, you can see the quality that is on the pitch. We know that we have to give it our all. I want to be at the forefront of that go.”