The Bundesliga places 14 to 18 separate just four points. kicker reporters from the clubs concerned explain what speaks for and against the five relegation candidates.
Bearers of hope for relegation: Losilla, Kabak, Bredlow, Cigerci, Jenz (from left).
imago images
Hertha BSC
This speaks for relegation:
After a weak start to 2023, the team has regained its composure and the intensity that was already shown for long stretches in the autumn is back in the game. Since the system change from 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2, Hertha seems more stable and powerful. The winter entrances Tolga Cigerci and Florian Niederlechner turned out to be immediate help, thanks to midfield strategist Cigerci, there is now more communication on the pitch. On the offensive, everything no longer depends on top scorer Dodi Lukebakio. Sandro Schwarz’ team is also making progress defensively: the 2-0 win over Augsburg was the first clean sheet of 2023.
This speaks against:
It’s the fourth year in a row that some pros carry it around as a backpack. Away (only four points) there has been little so far, the susceptibility to standards runs like a red thread through the season. And noise – most recently the din surrounding the separation from sports director Fredi Bobic – is plentiful at Hertha.
VfB Stuttgart
This speaks for relegation:
Except for the first half against Schalke (1:2), VfB was always competitive. Every time just a little thing was missing to be more successful. Either by preventing goals or by scoring your own goals. With Fabian Bredlow (for the time being) there has been some calm in the goalkeeper question. In addition, the injured striker Serhou Guirassy could return in two weeks. Overall, there is still plenty of room for improvement.
This speaks against:
Parts of the team can’t get their penchant for recklessness and lack of self-motivation or their own nerves under pressure. There is also the question of whether everyone is prepared to do everything possible to prevent relegation if they have thoughts of a change. The away weakness (only four draws) is also dangerous, especially since it is still going to Bochum, Hertha and Augsburg.
TSG Hoffenheim
This speaks for relegation:
The basic quality in the squad. Despite the sale of Georginio Rutter, TSG seems to be in good hands, especially on the offensive. In principle, coach Matarazzo can declare personnel duels for any position at a high level.
This speaks against:
The lack of a callous snapper has been a problem in the Kraichgau for years. In addition, the squad has only limited experience in the relegation battle. With Grischa Prömel (broken ankle) a stabilizing factor is missing in midfield, the ex-Union player is considered one of the few Hoffenheim players who have the mentality necessary for the relegation battle. In addition, there is unrest in the environment, recently more criticism of the club management and patrons.
The games of the candidates on the 23rd game day
VfL Bochum
This speaks for relegation:
Purely traditional: no one goes headless on Castroper Straße. Bochum is not unexpectedly down, with every fiber players, club and environment live the relegation battle. A lot of routine has been gathered, for professionals like Losilla, Riemann, Zoller, Danilo Soares, Gamboa, Hofmann it’s something special to be on the ball in the Bundesliga. The opponent is worked on correspondingly intensively. And under Thomas Letsch, Bochum has asserted itself above all at home.
This speaks against:
In short: the quality of the squad. On good days, with the ideal cast and full of passion, last year’s promoted team is competitive, as home wins against Union or Frankfurt have shown. But there is a lack of depth in the squad, which is no wonder given the very limited financial resources. The fact that Bochum conceded by far the most goals (54) speaks volumes, individual mistakes are much more common than in the competition – and Bochum’s offensive isn’t a big deal either.
FC Schalke 04
This speaks for relegation:
With four clean sheets in a row and the win against Stuttgart, Schalke have developed a psychological advantage, and with the help of their fans, the team can now roll up the field with force from behind. The defense around the central defender duo Maya Yoshida and Moritz Jenz has blossomed into a showpiece: Royal Blue only conceded one goal in the second half of the season, which is the best in the league.
This speaks against:
Schalke tends to get the big flutter when leading, and harmlessness on the offensive could be decisive for relegation. Schalke have been goalless eleven times this season, 16 goals after 22 games are by far the lowest in the league. In addition, the away yield with four points (with four goals) in ten games is hair-raising.
