After a strong run, VfL Bochum suffered a surprising loss to Dynamo Dresden, who are second-to-last in the standings. The first half was decisive.

Philipp Hofmann had a front-row seat: He was sitting on the bench as VfL Bochum fell behind 0–2 against Dynamo Dresden in the first 45 minutes.

“The first half was probably the worst under Uwe Rösler,” the forward said bluntly, before attempting to explain: “We didn’t really know whether to press or stay compact. From the outside, it looked like we didn’t have a clear game plan—we were a bit passive.”

This inexplicable first half ultimately proved decisive in the team’s first competitive loss (1–2) under the new coach. Yet the plan had actually been clear.

“The plan was to press forward when the goalkeeper had the ball, just like in the last few games,” Hofmann said. In practice, however, things turned out differently. “We were always a step too late and became too passive. The second goal was also too easy—Vincent Vermeij was alone against four players. That can’t happen.”

Assist provider Alexander Rossipal also had far too much space—just as he did on his 1–0 goal. The VfL seemed too slow and too sluggish, both physically and mentally, in every area.

At least there was a significant improvement in performance after halftime. “We played very well then and really put the pressure on. We had huge chances, and if the penalty had gone in, I think we would have won 4–2 because things would have really heated up,” said the forward.

Overall, though, the team lacked that final bit of precision—and, in the case of Francis Onyeka’s missed penalty kick, that final bit of composure as well. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have the luck we’ve had in recent weeks. We lost the game in the first half; you can’t blame the guys for the second half,” Hoffmann clarified.

For the first time since October 4, he suffered another loss with VfL Bochum. Cause for concern? Not for him: “That’s part of the process. It was also clear that we wouldn’t win every game. What’s always important is the reaction, and that was positive—which makes me optimistic for the coming weeks.”