It’s been a turbulent few days at VfL Bochum. After the first training sessions, interim coach Markus Feldhoff looks ahead to the first game against Bayern Munich.
It’s game one for VfL Bochum after the personnel shake-up following the dismissal of coach Peter Zeidler. The interim duo of Markus Feldhoff and Murat Ural have taken over and face FC Bayern right off the bat.
Expectations are correspondingly low – which can also be liberating. “It’s the easiest game of the year, everyone is looking forward to it, regardless of our position in the table,” said Feldhoff, looking ahead to the clash with the record champions. “It’s one of the biggest games, so that’s how we have to approach it.”
The starting position for the interim coach could hardly be more difficult. The Oberhausen native is well aware of this: “We are in a situation that no one wants to be in. We would all like things to be different, but we have to accept it now and make a fresh start.”
This fresh start should also be evident on the pitch, where bottom-of-the-table Bochum needs to improve both offensively and defensively. “Peter Zeidler had his clear philosophy, which he lived by one hundred percent. I’ve learned that there is no right or wrong in soccer. The results were the criterion now, and he will be successful again elsewhere with his style and philosophy,” said Feldhoff, who did not see the problems solely in his predecessor’s style of play.
It’s about getting everyone back on board, taking them with us and building anticipation for the game. There will be maximum support in the game.
Markus Feldhoff
But after one point from seven games, the coaching team needs to provide new impetus. “Accordingly, we will do things differently to gain a different approach and go onto the pitch with a different mindset,” explained Feldhoff, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with the team. ”We will make a few adjustments in all areas and also get the players on board to put a team on the pitch that is convinced of what has been given to them.”
In training ahead of the match against Bayern, the initial focus was on rebuilding a team that had been knocked back recently. “We have to make the most of the days we have. You could see that the confidence wasn’t there at the end,” explained Feldhoff, who is also counting on the VfL fans. “It’s about picking everyone up again, getting them on board and building anticipation for the game. There will be maximum support in the game.”
The 50-year-old sees the coaching team as a collective and describes the cooperation as very close. When the call came from the club, she didn’t have to think twice, Feldhoff revealed: “Now is the time when we have to ensure the transition. That’s what we’re here for: to support the team so that they know how to play at the weekend and are well prepared. Everyone plays their part.” with gp