Interviews: “We’ll happily take that”

Thomas Reis (head coach VfL Bochum 1848): I’m happy that we managed to get a point with the final move of the match. The team was wide awake from the very first minute. We had a lively style of play and got things going. In the second half we lost our tempo. Still, it is quite bitter that we went behind from a dead ball situation. Being a little fortunate and thanks to a stunning performance of our keeper we were able to keep up with Stuttgart, which is representative for the team’s great development. It was surely not top-level football today and the draw is somewhat lucky, but we are delighted about that one point – we’ll happily take that.

Pellegrino Matarazzo (head coach VfB Stuttgart): We are really disappointed about the result. I witnessed a side that was fighting over the full 90 minutes and that showed a great performance. Unfortunately, we failed to extend the lead. By an unnecessary foul and the following penalty, we concede a late equaliser. The positive thing is that the team never gave up and acted as a unit.

Anthony Losilla: We knew that it was going to be a hard match. We wanted to accept the challenges and delivered a tough fight. Bottom line is that we were a little fortunate to get the point today. Eduard has a good right foot and enjoys the team’s trust. He finished confidently.

Eduard Löwen: We are very glad that we got the point today. Humility is always an essential part. We showed a terrific performance against Bayern and we made history. Nevertheless, every one of us was aware of the importance of today’s fixture. I’m happy that I could convert the penalty. It was a tricky one as Stuttgart’s ‘keeper Florian Müller and I played for the same youth side. At last things worked out for me as well as the team.

Armel Bella Kotchap: We knew that it was not going to be an easy match. It was a hard-fought game, the sparks really flew on each side. VfB had the better chances, but we never gave up on ourselves. We got things going until the very end and racked up a deserved point.

Jürgen Locadia: It was a very difficult game. Of course, one point is a little flattering, but still not undeserved. Especially in the final stage of the match we showed a great spirit and scored a very important point.