When VfL Bochum plays, his heart beats too. He has many memories associated with the club. We are talking about Stylianos Kokovas. The Greek player is in top form.

Stylianos Kokovas will be familiar to die-hard VfL Bochum fans. The Greek played for Bochum in the U17 and U19 teams. In the 2018/2019 season, he also played six second division matches for the team from Castroper Straße.

Kokovas has now gained some experience in the world of soccer. The former Greek U21 international currently plays for 1. FC Phönix Lübeck in the Regionalliga Nord.

The 24-year-old left-back has already scored eight points in 19 appearances and is one of the best players in the northern division. His contract expires at the end of the season. We spoke to Kokovas about his time in Bochum, but also about his future. Stylianos Kokovas, 19 games, six goals, and two assists: things are going very well for you at Phönix Lübeck. How do you feel in the far north? I feel very comfortable in Lübeck. The city is very beautiful and offers many leisure activities. The club has given me a great welcome. And I can tell that I’m trusted here. That helps enormously in maintaining consistent performance. In this profession, you simply need trust and a good feeling.

And who knows: soccer is crazy. Maybe VfL will contact me again. Bochum and Greeks go well together. A sirtaki “anne Castroper” – that would be something.

Stylianos Kokovas

You once played six games for VfL Bochum in the 2nd Bundesliga as a young player. What has happened since then? You’ve been through quite a few stages…

Since my first appearances in the 2nd Bundesliga, I’ve experienced a lot and gone through various stages. I’ve played in Czechia and Slovakia. Every experience has helped me grow as a player and as a person. I’ve learned to deal with pressure and setbacks, such as injuries, and to continue developing myself. Things like that only make you stronger. Your contract in Lübeck expires next summer. According to our information, several third division clubs are interested in you. Where do you see your future?

Right now, I’m fully focused on the season. We’ll see what happens in the winter or next summer. Of course, it’s nice when clubs from the third division or my home country of Greece show interest. But first, I want to do my best here and score more goals. Then my agent and I will decide together what the next and right step is.

How closely do you still follow VfL Bochum?

I am very grateful to VfL Bochum. It is the club that accompanied me from the age of 16 to 20 and enabled me to take my first steps as a professional soccer player. I still follow the club regularly. I spent important years there. I’m happy when things hopefully go better soon, and I watch games from time to time when time allows. And who knows: soccer is crazy. Maybe VfL will contact me again. Bochum and Greeks go well together. A sirtaki ‘anne Castroper’ – that would be something else in my career.