After major overhaul: Bochum aims to avoid a false start in 2. Bundesliga

VfL Bochum is embarking on a new 2. Bundesliga season with a significantly reshaped squad, hoping to break a decade-long streak of opening-day defeats. Coach Uwe Rösler, who has positive memories of his Bochum debut against Hertha BSC in October 2025, sees the upcoming match as an opportunity to set a positive tone.

This season marks a considerable overhaul for the club, which has often relied on loan players. Following the last season, 17 players left and 10 new ones arrived. The club aims for more continuity by signing players to longer-term contracts. Rösler noted that while this offers a chance for improvement, the extensive player turnover means the team is starting from a step back.

The club has brought in experienced second-division players like defender Karol Mets and striker Daniel Hanslik. Newcomers Michael Steinwender and Enis Cokaj, who lack experience in the league, are expected to fill gaps left by departing players. Young talents like attacker Alessandro Crimaldi are also being integrated, alongside established leaders such as Philipp Hofmann, Maximilian Wittek, and goalkeeper Timo Horn.

Last season, Bochum, considered a favorite for promotion, struggled early under Dieter Hecking before Rösler guided them to a ninth-place finish, securing their league status on the penultimate matchday. Rösler remains cautious about predicting outcomes for the new season, acknowledging the league's competitiveness.

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Of course, it is also an opportunity to improve in some areas. But as a coach, I actually wish to continue as much as possible where we left off at the end of last season. Unfortunately, that's not possible with so many departures. So we automatically take a step back.