VfL Bochum’s U21s have been preparing for a few days now. Also involved: Dennis Grote – in a dual role. This is what he says about the first few days in an interview with RS.

Dennis Grote is back at VfL Bochum. In the coming season, he will fill two roles at VfL. On the one hand, he will help the new U21s in the Westphalia Oberliga with his experience on the pitch.

The 37-year-old will also be responsible for scouting from the U21s to the U16s. Max Kögel, Sporting Director Transitional Area at the Talentwerk, said: “As part of the restructuring of the Talentwerk, we need employees who are passionate about the cause and we have experienced this in every conversation with Dennis.”

We spoke to Grote now that the U21s have already started their preparations.

Dennis Grote, the new U21 team has been preparing for the new start under coach Heiko Butscher for a week now. As a long-time VfL player, what went through your mind when VfL approached you?

I was very pleased. The idea of the dual role came from Patrick Fabian. After a brief consideration, it quickly became clear to me that I would like to do it.

What exactly is your area of responsibility? You’ve not just been brought back as a manager for the games.

We’ll discuss that in more detail in the coming days. There have been some shifts in the scouting and talent departments.

How far have you recovered from your serious cruciate ligament injury?

I’ve made a full recovery and have been in full training since mid-January, even if I didn’t play much in the second half of the season. But the knee is holding up, and the first six or seven days have shown that the knee is no longer causing any problems.

What impression have you gained of the new team in the first training sessions at Hiltroper Straße?

The first impression is consistently positive, it was a lot of fun. I think we’ve managed to put together a team with a good mix.

Have you ever been addressed as Mr. Grote by the U19 players when greeting them?

No, no one has said that yet, and I don’t expect them to. It’s all on an equal footing.

Do people ever ask you for advice? As an experienced professional, what do you try to pass on to the young players?

Of course we exchange ideas. I think I’m a very good advisor in that respect. I also went the way of the youth team via the second professional team. So I can certainly give a tip or two.

The expectations of the U21s are high. The regional league is the goal for the foreseeable future. Is that realistic?

I don’t know if it’s the goal to go to the regional league so quickly. But I would like to get to know our team and the opponents better first. Then, after eight match days, we can see what is realistic. We first have to be very humble with our young team and adapt to the league. We’ll see what’s possible over time. cb / gp