Bochum endured a very frustrating season as Gertjan Verbeek’s side failed to show their potential and ultimately ended up in a mid table position. Bochum started the season with a massive recruitment drive, picking up a number of younger players which took the average age of the squad down to the youngest in the league – 23.5. Some early performances suggested the team were gelling together while beating Union Berlin and drawing against Hannover. But injuries and disappointing defeats in tight matches hindered the clubs progress during the season. A relegation battle also looked likely before Verbeek managed to grind out some results with a squad which continued up to seven starters out injured at times. At home Bochum were exceptional, losing just two matches and picking up 29 of 44 points. Away, Bochum only won three matches and were barely better than the sides who ended up being relegated. That gives Verbeek a clear area to work with, but his young squad will have learned a lot about playing away from home to take into next season.
Few of the senior players were able to play regularly throughout the season due to injury and, other than goalkeeper Manuel Riemann who started every game, only two other players started 30 games. Of those two, Felix Bastians anchored the defence throughout the season with various partners due to injuries and change of formations. Marco Stiepermann also started exactly 30 games and in a number of positions to accommodate teammates around him. A whole host of players could have kicked on had they not spent time on the side-lines such as Kevin Stöger, Thomas Eisfeld and Timo Perthel. But the best player in the squad due to his consistency and contribution at both ends of the pitch was Anthony Losilla. If Bochum are able to remain injury free next season then they will be targeting a much higher position, but they have to put this frustrating campaign behind them first.
