VfL Bochum is currently at its winter training camp in Belek. Coach Uwe Rösler spoke with Forecasting.

On the sidelines of the winter training camp, Uwe Rösler, coach of VfL Bochum, spoke with Forecasting. The conversation focused on the conditions in Belek, what VfL Bochum needs to work on, and winter transfers.

Forecasting: Uwe Rösler, VfL Bochum traveled to the training camp in Belek due to poor weather conditions in Germany. What are the conditions like there?

Uwe Rösler: We had a long trip, but the conditions are very good. We have a comfortable hotel and a variety of food, which is also important. Most important, though, are the fields—and they’re excellent. We completed two training sessions on the first day. It couldn’t be better.

The preparation time is still very tight, though. What’s your focus in Belek?

“In my experience, we have to keep working on our principles, such as pressing situations against teams with high possession. We need to apply pressure to their back line. We also need to look at how we play against teams that sit deep. Additionally, we’re focusing on set pieces, getting out of pressure with the ball, and playing in the final third… both offensively and defensively, we have a lot to work on.”

How’s the squad looking?

“Matus Bero is undergoing rehab in Bochum. Michael Obafemi strained his back during a running test on Monday, couldn’t train, and won’t be here as a result. He had an MRI, but I don’t have the latest update on that yet. Otherwise, everyone is here.”

What’s your impression of new signing Mikkel Rakneberg?

“He’s fit right in with his playing style. He’s very dynamic and a great fit for us. Mikkel is a strong ball-carrier. He’s also physically strong, but he still needs to get used to the intensity. You can tell that the intensity here is even higher than in Norway. But you can also tell that he’s eager and in good physical shape. So far, we’ve all been very impressed.”

You’ve also brought Marcel Sobottka, a former teammate from Düsseldorf, to training camp. In what position could he help VfL Bochum?

“It’s no secret that Ibrahima Sissoko has offers. The club is currently in the process of negotiating those. Matus Bero is injured. We need reinforcements in central midfield. I know Marcel. He’s available on the market as a free agent, which is also important for VfL Bochum. He’s 31 years old and has been training every day with Schalke II for the past six months. So far, things are looking very good, and I hope he shows the form I’ve come to expect from him. Then he could be a good solution for us.”

Are any departures on the horizon during the winter break?

“As long as the transfer window is open, you always have to expect that players who haven’t played much so far might come looking for a contract or more playing time at another club. The important thing is: if players leave, we have to replace them. There’s also a time limit, because everything has to make sense—for the club, the player, the agent, and the future club. There are always four people sitting at the table. Getting everything to work out isn’t all that easy.” with gp