At VfL Bochum, the ball is at rest for a few days. Meanwhile, work is going on behind the scenes to extend the contract of coach Thomas Letsch.

A breather at VfL Bochum. After the 2:1 test match victory against De Graafschap Doetinchem, coach Thomas Letsch has given his team until Tuesday.

“We did it this way because we don’t play until Sunday against Heidenheim. Then we have a five-day week to prepare.” The newly-promoted side are VfL’s neighbors in the table with one point more in their account. Bochum could overtake them with a win.

However, winning has not worked out so well so far this season. Bochum are unbeaten in three games, even if the 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln must have felt like a defeat.

With nine points, the team is in a better position than after eleven matchdays in the previous season (seven points). However, coach Letsch had only been in charge for two games back then. Now the VfL coach was able to help shape the squad in the summer, which is significantly deeper, but also more expensive.

Along with the market value, the club’s own demands at Castroper Straße have also risen. Yes, it’s all about staying in the league and yes, Bochum are currently above the bottom line. But with a little more luck, the buffer to the relegation places could have been bigger.

However, it does not depend on whether Letsch will be involved in the squad planning next summer. His contract is currently due to expire. Numerous talks are said to have already taken place, but no agreement has yet been reached.

“We are still in good talks with coach Thomas Letsch and his advisor,” sporting director Patrick Fabian told the WAZ. VfL remain calm, but have set an internal deadline. “We are convinced that he is the right coach for Bochum. A decision should be made by the end of the year.”

While the players enjoy their days off, further talks will take place during the remaining time of the international break.