The draw between ETB SW Essen and VfL Viktoria Jüchen-Garzweiler was not a footballing treat. Off the pitch, however, there were some exciting surprises.

At the Uhlenkrug Stadium, anticipation for the new Oberliga season was huge. All eyes were on ETB SW Essen as they took on newly promoted VfL Viktoria Jüchen-Garzweiler. The goalless draw was extremely tough to watch, but it was still exciting due to the personalities involved away from the action on the pitch.

There was a touch of celebrity in the air in Essen. In addition to German national team player Selina Cerci, the 322 spectators were also treated to the presence of former Bundesliga and Bochum professional Manuel Riemann at the “Schwatten” stadium.

What was particularly striking about the visit was that the 36-year-old, who is currently without a club, worked very closely with the Garzweiler camp. He spoke to one or two players during the warm-up. Riemann also gave instructions from the stands during the game, most of which were directed at Jüchen goalkeeper Björn Nowicki.

Is the goalkeeper, who was most recently under contract with SC Paderborn in the second division, keeping himself mentally fit with the Oberliga club? Daniel Klinger, coach of Viktoria, explained where this connection comes from: “It comes through our goalkeeper coach. The women know each other and he supports us a bit in training, gives us input.“

Riemann guest appearance in goal? Klinger with a clear statement

He continued: ”He’s just someone who has a lot of experience and has played at the top for years. He can help us as a club and as a team. Of course, we’re taking advantage of that.“

Riemann, who is currently in rehab after hand surgery, seems to have found his new temporary pastime: ”He’s a co-coach in a way, helping us and giving us a lot of input.”

When asked whether the 36-year-old might even find himself back in goal for the Oberliga club in the future, Klinger gave a clear answer: “No, not at all. He won’t be in goal for us. We have three outstanding goalkeepers. So, probably not.”

It’s a charming story about the keeper who was allowed to pull on the VfL Bochum jersey for almost a decade. Riemann will probably be heard cheering loudly from the stands again at the upcoming first home game in the Oberliga history of his “new” VfL. On August 22, Jüchen-Garzweiler will host VfB Homberg and hopes to pick up its next points there.