Uwe Rösler’s first competitive match is coming up. In the 2nd Bundesliga, they will face Hertha BSC. Rösler talks about changes in the team, communication, and the role of the fans.

The first competitive match for new VfL coach Uwe Rösler in the 2nd Bundesliga is coming up. VfL Bochum will play against Hertha BSC on Saturday (October 18, 8:30 p.m.).

The personnel situation looks good, with only Ibrahima and Ibrahim Sissoko, Kevin Vogt and Koji Miyoshi likely to be missing due to injury. After a week and a half, Rösler has already been able to initiate changes.

In the press conference ahead of the Hertha game, he spoke about …

… the national players: “We have to take it as it is. All teams have to deal with player call-ups. They will train normally on Friday and can then help us on Saturday. Gerrit Holtmann has only done one video session with us; he came back very late. He will train tomorrow and is an option for Saturday.”

… Ibrahim Sissoko: “He has knee problems that we can’t get under control. It’s a shame, he played well against Aachen. It would be important to have him fit to provide competition for Philipp Hofmann.”

… Francis Onyeka: “He scored six goals during the international break, he has good momentum and has performed well in training. He’s on my list. I don’t know whether he’ll start or come off the bench.“

… Philipp Hofmann: ”I’m optimistic that I can get him into spaces where he can be dangerous. When you have a big striker, he’s always going to be a target player. I’m glad he’s extended his contract here and that I can work with him.”

The new generation of players communicates very little; in some cases, they are over-coached in the youth academies. You don’t learn to make your own decisions that way.

Uwe Rösler

… potential penalty takers: “I haven’t given it any thought so far. I know that Francis Onyeka has shown in international matches that he can do it. I’ve taken note of that.“

… communication on the pitch: ”That’s an issue I’ve had at every club over the past ten years, even internationally. The new generation of players communicates very little; in some cases, they are over-coached in the youth academies. You don’t learn to make your own decisions. Everyone has to feel responsible, and Niklas Jahn does that excellently. We have a long way to go in that regard. If you want to win, you have to communicate. That makes you better at the game yourself.“

… the squad against Hertha: ”Moritz-Broni Kwarteng will be there; he can help us tremendously with the ball. He’s been training really well, he’s very dynamic. We can’t overdo it with his playing time, but he’ll definitely be in the squad. Niklas Jahn can be hopeful. I can’t confirm anything yet, the squad for the match day hasn’t been finalized.”

… possible changes: “There will definitely be some. I’ve played a lot with a back three and a back five in recent years, I’m a fan of it. The way I interpret the back three, you need the right type of players for it. I’m still pondering whether we’ll play with a back three or a back four.”

… his first competitive game: “I’m definitely looking forward to it. Saturday evening under the floodlights. The spectators need to understand that we can only come out of this as a community. It’s our responsibility to spark the flame. The fans are trembling with us and need to understand that the team needs help. It’s give and take. I’ll tell the players that too. As long as we play with passion and offensively, we can’t go wrong.”

… Hertha BSC: “They are one of the best counterattacking teams. Our defense must be absolutely top-notch, and a little luck always helps. We have to play in areas where they have problems. They play quite high up, so there will be space behind them. Set pieces and occupying the penalty area will be important.”