VfL Bochum put in a strong performance at the start of the second half of the season. But there were two incidents that drove Uwe Rösler up the wall.

Six goals – spectators were treated to a real spectacle in VfL Bochum’s 3-3 draw with Darmstadt 98. It was never boring, and both coaches were happy with their teams’ performances. However, for Uwe Rösler, coach of VfL Bochum, one scene in particular stuck in his mind, which he addressed at the press conference after the game. As you would expect from a former professional, he didn’t mince his words.

The bone of contention was the substitution of Felix Passlack for Leandro Morgalla in the 74th minute. Rösler explained: “The substitutes revitalized us and brought quality to the game. That’s why I have to say that this was the first time I was disappointed. When Felix Passlack came on, there was criticism and booing behind my bench. I expect respect here – he has already done a lot for the club. He came on and played a great game, which really annoyed me. After the game, he was celebrated by the fans, and that was the right reaction. We’re in a relegation battle, we need every player, that’s the only way it works.“

Passlack even had the chance to score the winning goal, but he only hit the post. According to Rösler, a win against the ”best team in transition play“ would have been well deserved. ”After the preparation, I didn’t know exactly where we stood. But I saw 80 percent of what we set out to do. I think we were the better team.“

However, VfL failed to score again after the 3-3. Rösler was particularly annoyed by the goal that made it 2-3: ”The third goal annoys me brutally – we just fell asleep there. In the first 15 minutes of the game, we also failed to stop the crosses from our left side. After the break, that worked better, but the third goal we conceded was avoidable.”

In the end, it was only enough for a 3-3 draw, partly due to the strong performance of the opponents. D98 coach Florian Kohfeldt summed up: “We had six clear chances that came from our structure. I really liked that and it should give us courage and confidence for the coming weeks. The first game after a break is always special. Now we’ve experienced all the ups and downs – that should help us get back into our rhythm.”