Bochum’s Unconventional Downfall: Fans Show Support After Relegation

Dieter Hecking, the VfL Bochum coach, took the stadium microphone visibly moved and addressed the fans after the team’s premature relegation from the Bundesliga. „We unfortunately did not succeed, and I apologize to you,“ he said with a shaky voice.

Despite the sadness and disappointment following the 1:4 loss to FSV Mainz 05, the crowd did not respond with boos. Instead, they cheered and applauded. The supporters sang, „VfL, we are there, every game, of course,“ looking ahead to the upcoming season in the 2. Bundesliga.

Respect from the Coach

Hecking expressed his admiration for the fans, stating, „I bow before you, before the entire crowd in the stadium – Chapeau.“ Captain Anthony Losilla, who has been with Bochum since 2014 and was also bid farewell along with Cristian Gamboa before the match, shared his impressions.

“This season unfortunately went a bit wrong, but I am convinced that with such people and such fans, we will quickly experience the Bundesliga again,” said the Frenchman on Sky, adding, “Because they simply deserve it. The club deserves it, and these fans deserve it.”

Relegation Confirmed

This marks Bochum’s seventh relegation from the Bundesliga. In front of 26,000 spectators at the Ruhrstadion, the VfL fought passionately but was offensively too weak. Even a victory would not have helped them because their competitor, 1. FC Heidenheim, won against 1. FC Union Berlin.

Nadiem Amiri scored in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half, followed by goals from Philipp Mwene (53rd), Jonathan Burkardt (73rd), and Paul Nebel (90+3) for the guests.

The sixth-placed Mainz team now has their destiny in their hands regarding European competition, although their next opponent is Bayer Leverkusen. “It will be insane. We will try everything,” said coach Bo Henriksen, whose team ended a seven-match winless streak.

Self-Criticism from Hecking

For Bochum, which only managed to score one goal through Gerrit Holtmann (84th), the relegation had become apparent early in the season. After seven matches, the club found itself at the bottom of the table with just one point. The hiring of coach Peter Zeidler turned out to be a significant misstep, leading to his departure after less than four months.

After a transitional period with interim coach Markus Feldhoff, Hecking took over. The experienced coach stabilized VfL and even sparked hope for survival at one point.

However, after a sensational 3:2 victory against FC Bayern Munich in early March, the team suffered five losses and two draws. “We were in the pole position, and we let it slip away,” Hecking stated self-critically.

No Miracle for Bochum

Before the match against Mainz, it was evident that Bochum needed a miracle in football, which did not materialize. Nevertheless, Hecking will continue to coach VfL in the second league.

Struggles in the Offense

Although Bochum played with determination, they lacked offensive threat. Amiri’s remarkable free kick from about 20 meters initiated the defeat.

The loyalty of the Bochum fans, who continued to sing their support even after Mainz’s additional goals and remained positive after the game, impressed even the FSV coach. “I have never seen this. It is absolutely world-class,” Henriksen stated, adding, “That is football. That is heart.”