Grasping at Straws: Dieter Hecking Commits to Desperate Bochum Amid Tenuous League Standing
Bochumers secure the services of Dieter Hecking amidst crisis situation
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With a disappointing 0:0 draw against FC Heidenheim, VfL Bochum's chances of avoiding relegation are dim. The gap to safety remains a sizable four points, and the Ruhr club seems destined for a return to the 2nd Bundesliga. But there's a glimmer of hope - the extension of Dieter Hecking's contract as their coach.
The distance between Bochum and the relegation spot seemed insurmountable after a lackluster season with only four victories and a draw at home. Their last win, a surprising 3:2 against powerhouse FC Bayern, happened almost two months ago. Lately, there have been optimistic moments, but they've mostly been overshadowed by draws in their last two games.
Football Save the Day, Hecking Stays: After four years as coach, it appears that the Ruhr club will find itself in the 2nd Bundesliga with Hecking. This wasn't a certainty until Friday, a day overshadowed by the severe injury of Heidenheim's Kevin Müller. The club's announcement of Hecking's contract extension until 2027 came shortly after Hecking declared his intentions during the press conference following the game.
"Should we take the bitter path of relegation, I will remain as coach of VfL Bochum in the 2nd Bundesliga," Hecking explained. "If we have to go down this route, my experience is also needed to help the club."
Hecking stepped in to replace the unsuccessful coach Peter Zeidler in November of the previous year. After Zeidler's poor performance in the early season, Bochum faced heavy losses against FC Bayern (0:5) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2:7). Under Hecking, the club was able to stabilize, and with his no-nonsense, open approach, he won over the fans and the club.
Hecking's assuredness about his future doesn't appear to be misplaced - his desire to remain with the club shows a commitment to the team during these trying times. Even with the penalty kicks and provocation tactics plaguing their recent games, there's a sense of determination among the players[2].
"If you feel at home in a place, if you feel the appreciation you get from the club, you have to ask yourself: What do you want?" he said. "Do you want to have fun in your job, or do you just want to move from one club to another? I believe that VfL Bochum is a great club. It's enjoyable to work here."
Football Fighting for Survival: With only two games left, Bochum must win both or hope for results from their relegation rivals. They host FSV Mainz at the Ruhrstadion next Saturday. At the same time, Heidenheim faces Union Berlin. Bochum will need more points against Mainz than Heidenheim does against Union Berlin if they hope to remain in the league.
VfL managing director Ilja Kaenzig confirmed the significance of Hecking's commitment, stating it offered "a positive signal during these difficult times." With a reduced budget of 23 million euros[3], plans for a squad capable of immediate promotion will be a daunting task for Kaenzig and sporting director Dirk Dufner.
Sources: ntv.de, sue
- Dieter Hecking
- VfL Bochum
- Football Bundesliga
[1] Kicker[2] Whoate Football[3] Kicker[4] The Sun[5] Sport Bild
- The extension of Dieter Hecking's contract as VfL Bochum's coach offers a glimmer of hope amidst the club's tenuous league standing.
- The Bochumers, under Hecking's no-nonsense approach, have shown determination and a sense of home, with Hecking expressing his desire to remain with the club.
- With only two games left, VfL Bochum must win both and hope for results from their relegation rivals to survive in the Football Bundesliga.
- The club, with a reduced budget, will likely embark on a vocational training program to build a squad capable of immediate promotion, which management will find a daunting task.
