Derby week in the Ruhr region. VfL Bochum are preparing for their clash with Borussia Dortmund. Captain Anthony Losilla is positive about the preparations.

There’s been a lot going on at VfL Bochum these days. First the home win against Stuttgart, including a near demolition, then the successful secret test at 1. FC Köln. Coach Thomas Letsch is therefore taking it a little easier at the start of the week.

The training week does not start until Wednesday and with it the preparation for the derby at Borussia Dortmund (Sunday, January 28, 5:30 p.m.). With a nine-point gap to the relegation places, captain Anthony Losilla will approach the difficult away task with confidence.

“I’m a very positive guy, which is why I believe that something is possible in Dortmund, even though they have strengthened their squad.” BVB’s new signings Ian Maatsen and returnee Jadon Sancho have made an immediate impact. “But we’ve shown that we can also put in a good performance against an opponent like this. We’re not the favorites, but we’ll do everything we can to make it as difficult as possible for this opponent.”

Just like it worked against VfB Stuttgart. “We wanted to take the fun out of their soccer because they’ve been outstanding against all their opponents so far, including Dortmund and Leverkusen,” continued Losilla. “We didn’t want to give them any opportunities. “

That worked well overall, especially in the first half. “Of course, it might not have been a great game for the spectators, but in the end we didn’t concede anything and that was the goal.” The fans were then rewarded after a 60-minute wait.

“After the long break, we wanted to be more offensive, with more courage and that worked.” Matus Bero scored the goal of the day, which was defended until the end with passion and a little bit of luck. Despite absences and a newly formed back four.

“That shows that we have a broad squad and that we can beat anyone, regardless of who is missing.” This applies above all to the Ruhrstadion, which has been rebuilt as a home fortress. 14 of the 20 points have been scored at home and VfL have been unbeaten there for six games (three wins, three draws).

“That has always made us strong in recent years,” says Losilla. “Our home games have always been good and stable.” Only one home game was lost against Gladbach. “We can work on that, but somehow we also have to score away from home to achieve our goal.”

When would be a better time to start than the derby at their big neighbor in Dortmund?