Changed, convinced, won: VfL Bochum beats Schalke 2-0. Rösler praises starting lineup debutant Callum Marshall and returnee Gerrit Holtmann.

Some call it a “neighborhood game,” others call it a “derby.” At the press conference, Uwe Rösler simply used a diplomatic neologism that combines both terms: “derby game.”

And in this derby game, his protégés leave the pitch as winners. VfL defeats FC Schalke 04 2-0 (2-0). “I am totally proud of the team,” said Rösler, offering words of praise. He was particularly proud of how the team coped with the personnel changes resulting from Pannewig’s absence.

Rösler simply moved Francis Onyeka into defensive midfield and put Callum Marshall in the number ten position, who made his starting debut. Gerrit Holtmann also returned to the team after his knee surgery. All three delivered.

“The way the team coped with that was great,” praised the VfL coach. “Francis down to the six, Callum in. Callum played a great game. It was his first game from the start – I was also surprised that he moved so well, because he’s actually a player who operates on the back line. And we were lucky with Gerrit Holtmann, because he knows exactly how important this derby game is. He gave it his all.”

Our first home win against Schalke in 17 years – that was important. It was important for the future. It was important for the next games. It was important for the morale and confidence of our team.

Uwe Rösler

He gave so much of himself that after two assists in the first half, he didn’t come out of the dressing room for the second half. His tank was empty. Rösler appreciates the honesty of his wing virtuoso, who overwhelmed the otherwise reliable Schalke defense.

“Sensational play, perhaps the best performance since I’ve been here. Even against the best defense,” Rösler emphasized in reference to returnee Holtmann. After Holtmann remained in the locker room, Bochum was unable to build on its first-half performance, but ultimately held on to its 2-0 lead.

Rösler explains: “We defended very well, especially against Edin (Dzeko, editor’s note). It was good that we brought in another center back. Masovic did a very attentive job.”

The importance of the game cannot be downplayed. The 57-year-old emphasizes: “Our first home win against Schalke in 17 years—that was important. It was important for the future. It was important for the next games. It was important for the morale and confidence of our team.”

Because he also knows: “You can see the results: we just can’t get out of the bottom. They’re all scoring points.” (with gp)