In VfL Bochum’s 2-1 home win against Union Berlin, it was once again Philipp Hofmann who put his team on the winning track with a header.

The scene looked extremely familiar to most in the Ruhrstadion: Corner by Philipp Förster, header by Philipp Hofmann, 1:0 VfL Bochum. What had already worked in the first win of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt (3:0) was also the can opener on the 11th matchday of the Bundesliga for the second win against Union Berlin (2:1) – and just as planned.

“We practised standards during the week because we knew that something could come of it,” the scorer revealed after the game. In other respects, too, the team had implemented what they had planned: “Stressing the opponent, second balls and standards – those have to be the weapons this season.”

Again and again, the 29-year-old was sought out with a long ball, again and again he asserted himself and won duel after duel. Union coach Urs Fischer was also impressed by this: “Defending Hofmann there is really incredibly difficult. Bochum did that very well. “

Hofmann sees the clearly recognisable upward trend as being closely linked to VfL coach Thomas Letsch, under whose leadership three wins have been achieved in five games. “The aggressive, the going for the sack, never giving up – that’s exactly what he wants to see.” And preferably also at games outside the Ruhrstadion.

“Of course the atmosphere is wonderful here at home, it’s a special feeling and we can beat anyone there.” However, the Bochum side are still without a point away from home. “Our next goal is to bring this style of play onto the pitch away from home as well.”

Advancing in the DFB Cup and beating the leaders could give the team the decisive push to get something countable for the first time at VfL Wolfsburg (Saturday, 29 October, 15:30). “We can take a lot of positives with us, it’s just fun at the moment. “