VfL Bochum starts in the DFB Cup at Arminia Bielefeld. We spoke to VfL captain Anthony Losilla in the run-up about the game and the preparation.
The preparation is over and the Bundesliga teams also start the year of compulsory matches. VfL Bochum has to face third division side Arminia Bielefeld in the first round of the DFB Cup on Saturday (6pm).
Anthony Losilla warns of the opponent, but is also very optimistic about the new season. He reveals why in an interview with RS.
Anthony Losilla, with the cup match at Arminia Bielefeld, you start the regular season on Saturday. Is the team ready for the start?
We are prepared. It’s been over five weeks, that was long. Now we finally want to get going. It’s about showing ourselves in the competition.
How do you see the current squad compared to last year?
We will see. Some new players have come in who only have experience in the 2nd Bundesliga. They have already shown their quality there. In any case, they are all good guys who were able to show what they can do in the preparation. We have also kept a large part of the squad, which can be a good mix. I am positive that we will achieve our goals with this squad.
What do you know about the opponents Arminia Bielefeld, who – it wasn’t that long ago – were still a rival in the Bundesliga?
Two years ago, they were still fighting with us to stay in the league. It was a difficult two years for Arminia. They lost a lot of players, hardly anyone stayed. New players, new coach, it’s very difficult to say how the opponent will be assessed.
What can you expect on the Alm?
It was never easy to play in Bielefeld. An opponent is coming who will give everything. They want to achieve a surprise, we have to be prepared for that. We have to be brave. We mustn’t think we’ll easily get further. That won’t work. We need a good VfL to reach the next round.
Last Saturday in the stadium and on Sunday at the autograph session, you could feel that the fans’ enthusiasm is unbroken. How great is the anticipation for the cup match, to which probably up to 6000 VfL supporters will travel?
We have felt that. The fans are also looking forward to the season, the third season in a row in the Bundesliga. They have shown how important they are for us. They will continue to be so in the future. We can count on the spectators. That pushes us, that’s how we can achieve anything.
