After a successful loan, Tim Oermann returns to VfL Bochum. The 19-year-old spoke to Forecasting about the second half of the season, his goals and a special debut.

It’s always a tricky thing with loans. The goal is clear: to gain playing experience that is not available at the home club. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It worked out for Tim Oermann. The 19-year-old central defender was loaned out to Wolfsberger SC in the second half of the season and is now confidently returning to VfL Bochum. In the Forecasting interview he tells us why.

Forecasting: Tim Oermann, how do you look back on the season and your loan?

Tim Oermann: Overall, very positive. I think in your first professional season it’s important to get used to the men’s game as much as possible, because it’s simply another big change. I also had the privilege of playing a lot of games. But I definitely know where I still need to catch up.

Were you considering extending your loan with WAC?

Yes, there were. It was a good time for me and the club was also interested. But now we have decided that I will return to Bochum, present myself to VfL and then we will see.

So you’re going on holiday and then back to Bochum?

That’s right. I’m going to Mallorca and Barcelona, then I’ll start my preparation for VfL with great motivation.

Was there any contact with coach Thomas Letsch and interim sporting director Marc Lettau during your time in Austria? What was the arrangement with VfL like?

My advisor in particular was in regular contact with Marc Lettau. I haven’t spoken to the coach for a while now, but it was definitely made clear to me that an eye was being kept on my games and my development. That was the most important thing for me, that my performances were recognised.

Would another loan be an option or should it be Bundesliga football in Bochum right now?

I make no secret of the fact that my dream is to play for Bochum in the Bundesliga and to do so as soon as possible, as quickly as possible. That’s why I’d like to stay in Bochum. But of course I always have to look at what’s best for my development and act accordingly. We will then decide together what the best option is.

14 out of 16 possible games in the second half of the Austrian Bundesliga, all over 90 minutes. What have you developed the most in through match practice?

I think that you simply develop a certain self-image through games. I noticed that with myself, how I went from an initial, slight insecurity to a routine more and more towards the end. I had more and more actions and filled them with more self-confidence, more life, and that simply makes you more mature as a footballer. Of course I still made mistakes, that’s part of it, but I think that minimising mistakes is also a big aspect.

Then, in March, I made my debut for the U20 national team. What was it like to be part of it?

It was a great honour for me, because it was not only my debut, but also my first call-up to a DFB team. It gives you a different perspective on your performance level. In club football, you’re no longer used to playing only with boys your age, but with more experienced, more seasoned players. In the national team you have teammates, you notice that in training, who are extremely talented, who bring their youthful ease across. That was very instructive for me, to see how my level is and also a boost for my self-confidence.

Finally, what are your personal goals for the preparation and the upcoming season?

I am at a stage where it is mainly about development. That I develop personally – as a person and as a footballer – and gain as much playing experience as possible at club level and can give as much as possible to the club. To show that I have matured in the last six months, that I have grown up and can now take the next steps.