Keeper deleted for relegation
Bochum would have preferred everything to be different after Riemann’s outburst
22.05.2024, 17:06
VfL Bochum will be without its regular goalkeeper in the relegation game against Düsseldorf because of his outburst. The day before the duel, the sports director spoke about Manuel Riemann not being taken into account, about “different views” and a decision that “was not easy”.
Bochum’s sports director Patrick Fabian gave further details about the exclusion of regular goalkeeper Manuel Riemann before the relegation first leg against Fortuna Düsseldorf. “After the Bremen game, we sought dialogue with everyone, were very critical and showed ways forward. Manu and we had different views on this,” said Fabian. “Hence this decision, which was certainly not easy.”
Bochum announced on Monday, two days after the 1:4 defeat at Werder Bremen on the 34th matchday of the Bundesliga, that the club would go into the relegation play-offs without Riemann. “Manu’s sporting value is undisputed, of course we would have preferred it to be different,” said Fabian. “I’m not happy about being in this situation now. But we have to deal with it, it’s all about VfL now.”
Luthe would like Riemann in goal
Riemann had repeatedly attracted attention due to his outbursts on the pitch, which were also directed at his own teammates. VfL had stated “irreconcilable differences of opinion on team-related issues” as the official reason for the current measure.
In addition to Riemann, who will most likely be replaced by Andreas Luthe, coach Heiko Butscher will have to play against the Rhineland-based second division team on Thursday (8.30 p.m./Sat.1 and Sky and in the live ticker on ntv.de) will also have to do without Erhan Masovic. The defensive player is ill and therefore unavailable.
According to his own statements, Bochum’s relegation goalkeeper Luthe would have liked to have had regular goalkeeper Riemann, who was taken out of the squad for the duels with Fortuna Düsseldorf, with him. “Manu is an important part of our team. I think we agree that we would have preferred to see him in goal. And I think we all see it that way,” said the 37-year-old on Tuesday after training.