Interviews: “Great feeling”

Thomas Reis (head coach VfL Bochum 1848): Of course, we are over the moon to have taken three points today. We started the game well. Our plan went well, we wanted to stay compact in midfield and keep Hoffenheim at bay in the duels. Hoffenheim are a very good footballing team, but we stood up to them. Pantovic’s chance was like the one in Frankfurt. We could have taken a comfortable 2-0 lead, but instead we conceded the equaliser after the break. In the following minutes, we were a little bit floundering, we are glad that Manu prevented another goal against us. With the win, we were able to make up a little for the two recent defeats. We have come a good step closer to our aim today.

Sebastian Hoeneß (manager TSG 1899 Hoffenheim): Congrats to the win, Thomas. We didn’t start well into the game. It’s always difficult to play against Bochum. Especially their man-to-man defence is very strong. We got better little by little, but of course we could have conceded the second goal shortly before the break. In the second half, we had a number of good chances we didn’t convert and Bochum on the other side were very effective. The second goal – following our own corner – should not have happened to us like that. Today we lost against a good and very smart Bochum team.

Takuma Asano: I feel great. We have earned a win against a very strong opponent, and I could help the team with my two goals. It can’t get any better. I always give 100 per cent and try to score goals. That it worked out so well today makes me very happy of course. These are three immensely important points for us on our way to keep the league but we’re still not fully there. We must stay fully focused to reach our aim.

Sebastian Polter: It was an intense match today and we knew what we had to do. Hoffenheim are a strong, skilful, and flexible team. We started well and were physically present from the first minute on. That was extremely important. We also created chances by switching the game cleverly, which is one of our strengths and that also helps to win games away from home. This passion all of us show the entire season is, what sets us apart.

Maxim Leitsch: To win in Hoffenheim is outstanding for us. It brings us a huge step closer to our goal. We played well and it was an open game till the end. The win is certainly not undeserved. Takuma is a fine guy and everyone gets on well with him. I’m very happy that he scored two goals today. When he brings his qualities to the pitch, he is extremely hard to stop.