As the crucial phase of the Bundesliga relegation battle approaches, VfL Bochum managed to boost their confidence with a solid performance in a test match. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, they defeated the second division team Preußen Münster 4-2, securing a vital victory that was essential ahead of the intense final stretch of the season.
Coach Dieter Hecking, reflecting on the match, pointed out the contrasting aspects of the game, remarking that there was “much light and much shadow” in his team’s performance. This statement highlights the mixed feelings he experienced regarding both the strengths and weaknesses shown by his squad during the match.
Among those who shone were players such as Samuel Bamba, Mats Pannewig, and Cristian Gamboa, who have faced limited playtime recently in the league. Myron Boadu, a forward who returned from a lengthy injury, also distinguished himself by contributing significantly to the team’s first-half success. Boadu, who had already netted seven goals in his twelve appearances this season, tallied two assists and one goal before being substituted at halftime due to minor muscular issues.
Hecking praised Boadu's contribution, stating, “His performance has shown that we need him desperately. But he needs to be fit to play at the Bundesliga level.” The coach’s comments not only underline Boadu’s importance to the squad but also stress the necessity of maintaining player fitness, especially at such a crucial time in the season.
Despite the victory, Hecking did express concerns about the defensive lapses his team exhibited. “We must not allow so many goal-scoring chances against us,” he criticized, acknowledging that the team’s defensive efforts left much to be desired. At one point in the match, Bochum's plan to keep a clean sheet was shattered just two minutes into the second half, quickly turning into a tense situation when Preußen Münster narrowed the lead to 3-2.
“When we played consistently, we had everything under control,” Hecking reflected, indicating that the team did show moments of quality but still needs to eliminate unnecessary errors if they want to succeed against tougher opponents.
Looking ahead, the Bochum squad faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for a pivotal away match against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, March 28, 2025. Before heading into this crucial fixture, they will enjoy a brief respite, as Hecking mentioned that a “small training session” is scheduled for Friday, March 21, followed by a well-deserved free weekend for the players. “The guys need to switch off a bit,” concluded the experienced coach, emphasizing the importance of mental breaks in the heavily demanding Bundesliga schedule.
With the season drawing to a close, Bochum’s performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the league. The blend of optimism stemming from their recent victory and the awareness of areas needing improvement shape the narrative as they aim to secure their place in the Bundesliga.
