"We have recovered and are motivated for the next challenge in the Bundesliga," declared Xabi Alonso three days after the Champions League match at Liverpool (0-4). "Whether it's against Liverpool or Bochum, we always prepare in the same way. What we need are concentration and the right mentality over the whole game. If we can do that then we’ll go into the international break feeling positive."
Before that, the Werkself face a tricky task at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. VfL Bochum are currently bottom with one point from nine games and share the worst start to a season in Bundesliga history (alongside Fürth in 2021/22 and Saarbrücken in the first Bundesliga season in 1963/64). Alonso: "The table and Bochum's number of points are irrelevant, it's always difficult at VfL. They have a clear DNA marked by high intensity and lots of passion with the atmosphere at the stadium also always playing a role."
In addition, Bochum have brought in a new head coach in Dieter Hecking who has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga. The 60-year-old coach, up until May the sporting managing director at FC Nürnberg, took over the coaching role at VfL at the start of the week and he will be in the dugout for the first time against the Werkself.
As was the case in Liverpool, Martin Terrier is not fit for the game against Bochum. Alonso on the French forward: "He won't be in the squad even though he already feels much better. If everything goes as planned then he will be back against Heidenheim after the international break."
Nordi Mukiele, Jeanuel Belocian and Amine Adli also remain on the sidelines. The latter extended his contract at Bayer 04 on Friday to run to 2028. Alonso on the Morocco international currently out with a broken leg: "He's very important on the pitch and in the dressing room. He has a great connection to his teammates, he speaks lots of languages. I and we are all happy that he'll stay here for a long time."
2,750 fans will support the Werkself in Bochum with the away section sold out. The fan information can be found HERE.
Bayer 04 have signed Tim Oermann on a contract to 2029. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the Austrian champions SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 season. Bayer04.de profiles Oermann.
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Bayer 04 have signed defender Tim Oermann. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old has a contract to 30 June 2029. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the champions of Austria SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 campaign.
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The Silver Boot award from the VDV players union: Werkself player Florian Wirtz has again been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2024/25 by his fellow professionals following on from his win last season in 2023/24.
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After the end of the competitive season for Bayer 04, the Werkself players still have a few international matches to look forward to at the beginning of June. In the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, for example, the German national team will face Portugal, while the next World Cup qualifiers and a number of friendly matches will take place. An overview.
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