5th match day: Pointless and coaching whirlwind: Troubled derby week in Bochum

The Bochum players received encouraging applause in front of the fan curve, Thomas Reis disappeared into the catacombs of the Ruhr Stadium with an annoyed expression.

5th match day: Pointless and coaching whirlwind: Troubled derby week in Bochum

The Bochum players received encouraging applause in front of the fan curve, Thomas Reis disappeared into the catacombs of the Ruhr Stadium with an annoyed expression.

The 0: 2 against Werder Bremen exacerbates the crisis at VfL and puts more pressure on Reis. The work for the coach, about which there was a lot of fuss last week, is becoming increasingly difficult. Another unfortunate defeat due to the late goals conceded, a lack of penetrating power in attack and discussions about the future of the 48-year-old: All of this results in a worrying mixture of the Revierclub, which was surprisingly successful last season, and the current bottom of the table.

"It doesn't bother me at all," said Reis about the restlessness about himself and actually seemed tidy and focused after a little time lag after the game. "Everyone has to make their own judgments about the team, but I think they have put everything into it."

He was right about that. Bochum fought and tried again and again with balls in the direction of the penalty area. What was often missing was the precision in the last pass or finish. And after consultation with the video assistant, referee Robert Schröder did not recognize the two goals scored by VfL.

Late defeat by Füllkrug's brace

"I'm speechless," said midfielder Kevin Stöger. "You stand here empty-handed and just don't know why." When there were many indications of a draw shortly before the end of the game and Bochum even seemed a little closer to victory than Werder, Bremen's center forward Niclas Füllkrug scored twice.

"We are here with zero points and are disappointed and angry," said Stöger. He also stressed that the rice debates of the past week had had no impact on the team. "We don't look left and right or read too much newspaper," said Stöger and reiterated: "We stand together all the time. We don't let anyone talk us into it."

Coach discussion before derby

Of course, the pros can't prevent VfL from continuing to speculate about the replacement of the coach - especially if Bochum should also lose the derby next Saturday at FC Schalke 04. VfL itself recently denied coaching discussions and ultimatums. The game against the newly promoted team from Gelsenkirchen nevertheless harbors a very special explosiveness.

According to media reports, Reis, whose contract with VfL Bochum expires in 2023, is said to have considered a change to the Ruhr area rival in the summer. Reis denied this and was "extremely annoyed".

He knows that he cannot control the rumors about himself and his club. Accordingly, he concentrates on his daily work - and it's hard enough. "It won't be easy to get the boys back on their feet, but that's my job," said Reis. "You have to work for happiness. It just takes a little longer."

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