Football Season Guide

Bochum had a highly frustrating season in 2016/2017 which was blighted by constant and severe injury problems. Despite ultimately finishing in a solid 9th place, Dutch coach Gertjan Verbeek has been sacked and replaced by Ismail Atalan who will take charge of a side at this level for the first time. Last year, the 37 year old was in charge of regional, Sportfreunde Lotte, who surprised everyone by making it to the cup quarter-final with wins against two Bundesliga sides on the way. However, he is vastly inexperienced and will now have his ability to coach a side successfully over a long season tested. Bochum's squad has not changed much from last season, partly due to the number of younger talented players who will have learnt much from last term and have the potential to propel the team up the table. Left-back, Danilo Soares, has arrived as an additional option in one of the weaker positions in the squad from last campaign. Dimitrios Diamantakos and Lucas Hinterseer will both hope to give support to Penial Mlapa and Johannes Wurtz who were the club's only main goalscorers last season, bagging 8 each. Bochum's home form last season was their real strength, losing just two matches in front of their own fans and that will once again be the basis on which the club builds their campaign. Whether the Ruhrgebiet side will be able to fulfil the potential in their squad and improve their position significantly will come down to keeping the squad fit and whether Atalan can settle into his new role quickly. With no real powerhouses in the league this season, Bochum will look to be one of the team's to take advantage.