Eintracht want to take the momentum from the Europa League into the away game at VfL Bochum. However, there are a few question marks regarding personnel – will coach Oliver Glasner have to rebuild his successful eleven?
Bochum has not been a good place for Eintracht in the past. The Hessians have only won four of 30 away games in the Bundesliga at VfL (eight draws, 18 defeats). In fact, Bochum have not won more three-goal games against any other Bundesliga team than against the SGE: 23 victories in 60 encounters (15 draws, 22 defeats). Even if these figures mean zero point zero for the current starting position, Eintracht must approach the game just as seriously as the clash against Piraeus – otherwise things could get really uncomfortable not only on the pitch but also in the standings.
Glasner sees a “challenge for the head rather than the body” after the formidable performance in the Europa League and warns: “If you go into a Bundesliga game with 95 per cent, you leave the pitch as a loser.” The coach speaks of a “highly motivated opponent in front of a sell-out crowd” and warns of VfL’s “fast wingers”.
It remains to be seen which players he will be able to call upon. “It’s possible that one or two players won’t be available,” says Glasner. Makoto Hasebe, Tuta, Almamy Toure and Djibril Sow had slight muscular problems after the match and on Friday. “If someone is so tired that he is not at 100 per cent, a fresh player will come in. We have to look ahead to avoid risking injury,” said the coach. He will only be able to see more clearly, however, after the final training session on Saturday.
In their development, the team is “heading in the right direction in all areas”, Glasner thinks, but also notes: “What we lack most is consistency – over 90 minutes and over several match days.” Captain Sebastian Rode also complains about this. “We have to be more consistent and take the performance against Piraeus as a benchmark for the coming games,” demands the midfielder. He suspects: “For Bochum, every game in the Bundesliga is an absolute highlight. We’re in for a hot fight, and we have to take it on as a team. “
