Kaenzig extends, Schindzielorz will leave VfL

VfL Bochum 1848 has extended the contract of Ilja Kaenzig, commercial director and management spokesman. Sebastian Schindzielorz, VfL’s Director of Sport, on the other hand, will not extend his contract. The 43-year-old has informed the club’s management of this decision. A contract extension is being sought for head coach Thomas Reis.

“In terms of the club management, the willingness is there to continue the successful work of the management team – we have always emphasised this openly and transparently,” said Hans-Peter Villis, CEO of VfL Bochum 1848. “From this point of view, we are pleased that Ilja Kaenzig has decided to continue on the path we have taken together. With his foresight, strategic thinking and expertise, he is an asset to the club. We are convinced that Ilja Kaenzig will continue to drive VfL forward, recognising new potential and leveraging it. On the other hand, we very much regret that Sebastian Schindzielorz has decided to leave VfL when his contract expires. He is working flat out to put together the new team for the coming season. We will consult with the relevant bodies on how VfL Bochum will set itself up at the sporting management level in the future.”

Sebastian Schindzielorz explained his decision to leave VfL Bochum 1848 after nine years: “I have considered the decision not to extend my contract at VfL Bochum after talking with my family and I told Hans-Peter Villis this. Over the past few years, we have succeeded in building a good team again throughout the club and therefore it has led VfL Bochum into the Bundesliga. I will remain on board with full power until VfL Bochum has found a successor. I have not held any contract talks with other clubs and have not committed myself to any new club. A switch therefore played no role in the decision. The first priority is to give VfL the earliest possible planning security and, for me personally, the freedom to find a new challenge afterwards.”

Regarding the head coach’s personnel, Hans-Peter Villis says: “Thomas Reis will fulfil his contract. We want to continue working with him and will do everything we can to extend it with him beyond 2023.”