Football Season Guide

Not the first time in recent years Bochum will be optimistic as the league kicks off for a fresh season after they finished the last campaign on a high under recently installed Robin Dutt. But experience generally suggested that the Ruhrgebiet side need to be cautious with false starts costing the side badly over the last few seasons. Dutt joined the team last season with them in danger of being relegated, but almost managed to secure a top three spot, winning half of his games in charge so far. The experienced coach has largely stuck with the team which brought him that success with very few signings or departures in the summer. The most significant player to leave the club is midfielder Kevin Stöger who was the heartbeat of the team and will be sorely missed, but the club would have expected that after such a strong season. In his place Sebastian Maier will likely be the new advanced playmaker after failing to make an impression at Hannover in the top division, but he has plenty of experience in the second division where he shined. The rest of the incoming transfers are far lower key. Tom Weilandt returns to the club after an unsuccessful period with Holstein Kiel last season and will get a second chance to make a first impression with a new coach. Vitaly Janelt and Robert Tesche have been permanently added to the squad after loan spells in 2017/2018. The late addition of striker Silvere Ganvoula on loan from Belgian giants Anderlecht could turn out to be an inspired piece of business as Dutt looks to add more firepower to his forward line. Lukas Hinterseer will be grateful for the support as he looks to build on a very strong end to last season when he shot up to second in the scoring charts. It’s also a signal of intent from Bochum who will look to play more attacking football this season after starting last term very much in defensive mode. If Bochum continue to play the style of football that Dutt’s side showed off at the end of last term then this could finally be the season when Bochum fulfil their potential. The concern will be a slow start makes both fans and board lose confidence in the coach and the direction the club is going in.