VfL Bochum once again let a home win slip from their grasp in stoppage time. Coach Thomas Letsch was self-critical following the 1-1 draw against Augsburg.

VfL Bochum once again let a home win slip from their grasp late on. FC Augsburg also scored in stoppage time to make the final score 1:1. VfL coach Thoma Letsch saw the reason for this in the second half – and in himself.

“It was two completely different halves,” said Letsch afterwards. “In the first half, we were sharp from the first minute. We did what we wanted to do, then scored the beautiful goal and perhaps should have led by more.”

Bochum deservedly went into the dressing room with a 1:0 lead thanks to Moritz Broschinski’s overhead kick. “We came out in the second half, weren’t as attack-minded and then I simply made very poor decisions.”

Letsch took playmaker Kevin Stöger off in the 68th minute, brought on another central defender in Keven Schlotterbeck and switched to 5-4-1. The reasoning behind this: “To have one more player in the box for the long balls. “

However, the pressure from Augsburg grew. “It was very early on that we decided to make a block and defend our goal.” As a result, there was a complete lack of relief going forward.

“We gave our opponents space and defended our goal well, but in the end the pressure increased and led to the penalty situation. That annoys me and I’m extremely annoyed with myself in that case.” In hindsight, of course, you’re always smarter.

“Looking back, it would have been better to stick to our structure and put the opposition under pressure further up front. I certainly wouldn’t do that again now. That’s why I take full responsibility for the three points we didn’t win, because the decisions I made were too defensive.”

However, the VfL coach demands the same self-criticism from everyone involved. “Nevertheless, we also have to say – and we all have to be that critical – that we had those two switching moments where we had to decide the game.” Moritz Kwarteng and Matus Bero both missed great chances.

“That’s definitely a weakness that we need to work on. That’s the only way you can develop.” That’s why Letsch isn’t worried that his team will now be thinking about conceding another goal in every stoppage time.

“I will learn a lot from this game. We as a team will make it difficult for our next opponent again, even if it’s Bayern Munich here at the stadium. I’ve messed it up and we move on.” First with the away game at Eintracht Frankfurt (Saturday, February 10, 3.30 p.m.).