For almost a quarter of a century, Patrick Fabian has gotten to know many facets of VfL Bochum. Now he is leaving the club.

It was an open secret that VfL Bochum has now confirmed. Shortly after the Bundesliga relegation, it is clear that sporting director Patrick Fabian has no future at VfL.

Immediately after the relegation, which VfL won in a penalty shoot-out against Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bochum’s sporting director spoke plainly: “So much has been written, so much bullshit has been spread. It’s beyond belief. It’s all people on the pitch. Sometimes things go better, sometimes worse. I thought we weren’t going down that path at VfL. Today we gave the answer to that.”

In the end, both sides came to the conclusion that a separation was better. Fabian emphasized in a statement from the club: “For me as Managing Director Sport, the right moment has come to say goodbye to VfL Bochum after a total of 24 years, having once again achieved relegation. Despite all the challenges, we were able to achieve our goal together last season with a real tour de force. The fourth year in a row in the Bundesliga is extraordinary, there has only been one other time since 1992, in the mid-00s.”

Fabian explains his reasons for leaving: “After personally coming to terms with an extremely intense year and evaluating all the dynamics of the last few weeks and months, I have come to the conclusion that there should now be a new impetus at sporting management level. That’s why I’m leaving the club, as it ultimately stands above everything else. “

According to WAZ information, his contract still had a term of one year until June 2025. It was reportedly agreed that Fabian would continue to receive his basic salary until then, although this is at a low level for a Bundesliga manager. Fabian will therefore waive all performance-related bonuses.

This marks the end of an era in Bochum, which VfL also honors: In a statement, VfL names that Fabian has created new structures in sport, both in the licensing area and in scouting. He has also driven forward the realignment of the talent department as the foundation of the club, adapted processes and worked towards the establishment of a new U21 team. In addition, the professionalization of the women’s and girls’ area at VfL was also visibly advanced

“We all know how important Patrick Fabian is to VfL and, conversely, how important VfL is to him,” says Hans-Peter Villis, CEO of VfL Bochum. “As a player, he always gave everything for the club, never let it get him down and later always led the way as captain. Around two years ago, Patrick Fabian took up the challenge at management level in an extraordinarily difficult situation and took over the position of Managing Director Sport. Under his sporting leadership, we managed to stay in the league twice. We personally wish him all the best. Patrick Fabian is and will remain a Bochum boy and is always welcome at Castroper Straße!”

Sporting director Marc Lettau, on the other hand, will apparently remain with the VFL, as Bochum do not want to lose their entire ability to act during the transfer phase, when no coach has yet been signed.

Lettau will therefore step up the search for a coach, with the first transfers also set to follow shortly. A long journey ends for Fabian at VfL – first as a player, then as an official