A winless run into the drop zone

It felt a bit like early salvation: on Matchday 22, VfL Bochum upset one of the big clubs – as they have done so often since returning to the Bundesliga in 2021 – by beating Bayern Munich 3-2. The result left them in eleventh place, nine points clear of the relegation zone and with high hopes for a tranquil remainder of the season.

But the party was followed by a hangover: Bochum have been waiting for a win since 18 February – eight games ago. Just two points from this period have pushed VfL Bochum back into the basement of the table, while defeats against direct rivals (5-2 in Mönchengladbach, 2-0 in Mainz, 2-1 in Cologne, 1-0 in Wolfsburg) have contributed to the sense of unease at Castroper Straße.

With the team struggling so badly, the club decided to part company with coach Thomas Letsch. His replacement, Heiko Butscher, is tasked with saving VfL from a seventh relegation from the top flight. Bochum go into Matchday 31 in 16th place and need points to ensure a fourth consecutive season in the Bundesliga. Bochum are currently five points clear of the direct relegation zone, FSV Mainz 05 are level on points but one spot above in 15th place, while Union Berlin are just two points away.

However, VfL will be without Patrick Osterhage and Christopher Antwi-Adjei on Friday, both of whom are suspended through yellow cards. But TSG have been warned: they have only won once in four appearances at Castroper Straße – and that was over 15 years ago.