Bochum (dpa) – The coach of the traditional club VfL Bochum, Thomas Reis, has no problems with investors or patrons in football.
“That is often seen negatively. If you look at Dietmar Hopp in Hoffenheim, for example: I think this man has done a lot for sport in Germany – also in terms of jobs,” said Reis of the German Press Agency. “When a person builds something like that, I think it’s good. There have always been clubs that are supported by corporations like VW in Wolfsburg or Bayer in Leverkusen. You just have to deal with that.”
The 48-year-old, who managed to remain in the Bundesliga with VfL this season with comparatively little financial means, added: “From a coaching point of view, I would of course also wish that I had more opportunities to build a team better. I I wouldn’t resist if you find someone who fits the club and the region. The club has its own idea of what it’s looking for and if someone came along: As a coach, I would say yes.”
The Bochum members have already agreed to a spin-off. So it would be possible to sell club shares. However, VfL has not yet found a suitable investor.
The Revierclub is popular with many football romantics because of its rustic charm and tradition, among other things. TSG Hoffenheim’s patron Hopp is repeatedly exposed to hostility from fans.