The first match day went pretty badly for the Bochum veteran. Robert Tesche is still looking for his best form, and he would be more important now than ever before.
In the year of promotion, the experienced midfielder was one of the most important players in coach Thomas Reis’ team. Quite unexpectedly, Robert Tesche even discovered his qualities as a goal scorer, scored important goals and used all his experience to organise the Bochum game in the centre.
Logically, the 34-year-old was also firmly planned for the Bundesliga as an experienced player who can provide structure in the centre. So it was all the worse that Tesche virtually missed the start in the Bundesliga. Only a few seconds had passed on the first matchday in Wolfsburg when Tesche cleared the ball on the goal line with his hand, received a red card and was suspended for two games.
Tesche was then substituted again in the home defeat against Hertha, and in the debacle in Munich (0:7) he was back from the start. He hasn’t made much of an impact yet this season, and was barely visible in the 0:3 defeat in Leipzig, for example.
Tesche has a lot of experience and is recognised all round
Right now, a Tesche in top form would be enormously important for the slightly dishevelled promoted team, which is still looking for a foothold one league higher. Tesche has well over 100 appearances in the Bundesliga and 2. Liga behind him, and also brings experience from the English Championship with appearances for Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.
He could lead the way on the pitch, but is more of a quiet guy who rarely comes out of his shell. But of course he is also enormously important for VfL with his thoughtful manner and is recognised all around. After all, the Bochum fans even voted him player of the season in the year of promotion.
Now the next minor setback for the midfielder, who Thomas Reis took out of team training as a precaution. “Recently he already had muscular complaints,” said the coach, “now his strain is being dosed and he is training individually. With that, we hope it will get better quickly. “
Test against Nijmegen as a chance for the reserves
Recently, Reis had two squad places unfilled in Leipzig; on Thursday, there is a chance for players who have not been used much so far to recommend themselves emphatically. In the test, the VfL (2 p.m./spectators are not admitted) will meet the Dutch first division team NEC Nijmegen.
Four internationals will be absent, Bella Kotchap, Asano, Stafylidis and Ganvoula; important match practice will be given to Danny Blum, for example, who is currently being introduced to the Bundesliga through short appearances. In goal, substitute keeper Michael Esser will replace Manuel Riemann.
The result is secondary, says Reis. But: “Power and commitment” is what he wants to see after the sometimes weak performance in Leipzig, the coach made clear once again.