According to information from “Bild”, VfL Bochum has decided on an interim solution until the end of the season after parting ways with coach Thomas Letsch. Accordingly, the previous U19 coach Heiko Butscher will be responsible for the remaining six games and will lead training this Tuesday at 10.30 a.m. He will be supported by assistant coaches Markus Feldhoff and Frank Heinemann. Butscher already helped out as interim coach for the professionals in 2018, 2019 and most recently in 2022.
On Monday, the relegation-threatened Bundesliga club from the Ruhr area announced the departure of coach Letsch. There had recently been a worrying negative trend at VfL – although the club actually seemed to have already been saved after a 3-2 win against FC Bayern Munich on matchday 22. In mid-February, the lead over the relegation relegation place was a comfortable nine points – Bochum was closer to the international ranks than to the 2nd Bundesliga. However, a series with just one point from six games meant that worries grew from week to week.
The next opponent is Bayern conqueror Heidenheim
VfL is currently three points ahead of 16th place and four points ahead of a direct relegation zone. The next opponent on Saturday is 1. FC Heidenheim, who also defeated FC Bayern Munich last weekend.
Former U21 national coach Stefan Kuntz was also considered a candidate to succeed Letsch. The 61-year-old played for VfL from 1983 to 1986 and 1998/99. From 2006 to 2008 he was manager of the Revierclub, most recently holding the position of national coach of Turkey.
Letsch took over VfL in September 2022 in last place in the table. The 55-year-old managed to stay in the league with Bochum last season and was then celebrated in the Ruhr Stadium.
