Colin Kleine-Bekel is finally back in top form. After tearing his cruciate ligament, he wants to help VfL Bochum achieve success.
Colin Kleine-Bekel played his last second division match on March 16, 2024. He won 2-0 with Holstein Kiel at SV Elversberg. The young center back was then sidelined for a long time with a cruciate ligament tear, which he sustained in an U21 international match against Kosovo.
The center back is now fully fit again, and VfL Bochum signed the 22-year-old in the summer on a contract until 2028. Looking back briefly, the player, who won the German youth championship with BVB, emphasizes: “Right after the injury, I was devastated. Football was and is a big part of my life. And that was suddenly taken away from me, and there was also the uncertainty of whether and how I would be able to come back. During the rehabilitation process, I learned a lot about myself and my body. That made it all the more enjoyable to be back on the pitch and just play football again.”
He didn’t make it back to Kiel after his recovery, but now he wants to start afresh with VfL. The first steps have been taken, and Kleine-Bekel believes the team is on the right track after the upheaval. “There were a lot of new faces and impressions for me. It’s exciting to see how a team is slowly forming. The test matches and training are fun. I’m getting more and more into my routine. Now I’m looking forward to a great week in Austria.”
The training camp is intended to bring the new squad even closer together so that they can start the new season successfully. The goal is clear: coach Dieter Hecking’s team wants to play a strong role after being relegated.
The new signing from Kiel wants to help achieve this, and he has already noticed a few changes after just a short time: “The size of the club is different, the whole atmosphere. Just the staff who are in Austria. And the style of soccer is definitely different here.”
The 22-year-old is sure to adapt quickly. His injury is no longer an issue, at least not on the field. “Nevertheless, I listen to my body because I’ve learned how important health is. I’ve developed a sense of when I need a break. But during games, I don’t think about my knee anymore.” gp / cb