VfL Bochum was only able to annoy the German champions a little in the early stages. Then things changed – and the goal difference also suffered. For Kevin Stöger, “it doesn’t matter.”
Bochum’s Kevin Stöger realistically assessed the chances against Bayer 04 Leverkusen when they were outnumbered. IMAGO/Nordphoto
VfL Bochum has to worry until matchday 34. Because the final score was 0:5 against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, early relegation is off the table. Like his offensive teammates, Stöger was largely only able to make a serious impact in the early stages of the clash with the German champions. With Felix Passlack’s sending off in the 15th minute, things tipped in favor of the Werkself.
“With one man less you can lose against Leverkusen,” says Stöger, putting the clear defeat into perspective DAZN. One point would have been enough to celebrate staying in the league early, but by half-time at the latest it should have become clear to everyone who supports VfL that this plan won’t work – not yet.
Crucial point: expulsion
“You’re allowed to make few mistakes. We made one or two mistakes and you’re immediately punished and you run behind.” The Austrian was probably referring in particular to Passlack’s positional play in the run-up to the red card and the emergency brake that came with it. “It’s bitter, of course, but it’s still going on,” says the 30-year-old, looking ahead. The fact that the result was so high in the end “doesn’t really matter at the end of the day.” Bochum “wouldn’t be in the league because of the goal difference, we knew that, we said that at halftime. Whether you lose 3-0 or 5-0, it doesn’t matter.”
Stöger leaves his future open – three points ahead of Union
It is still unclear whether Stöger will also play for VfL next season. At least the chances of the attacking midfielder staying would be significantly increased if Bochum secured relegation on the last matchday. In order to stay in the league on their own, at least a draw with SV Werder Bremen would be needed. “Who says it will be my last game in this jersey?” Stöger responded a little irritably when asked. “We’ll have to see what happens after the season.”
One thing is clear in any case: Before the last, decisive matchday next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (LIVE! on kicker), VfL Bochum is three points ahead of 1. FC Union Berlin, who are in 16th place with 30 points. Direct relegation has been off the table since matchday 31. While the Bochum team have to play on the Weser, the Eisernen face SC Freiburg.
2024-05-12 21:14:34
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