VfL Bochum has announced the departure of both Head Coach Dieter Hecking and Sporting Director Dirk Dufner, effective immediately. The decision, revealed on Monday, comes following a challenging start to the season.
David Siebers, previously coach of the club’s U19 team, will assume interim management of the professional squad beginning Tuesday. Siebers has been with VfL Bochum for eleven years, progressing through various youth development roles.
The club cited a “sporting disappointing season start” – compounded by the team’s recent relegation to the 2. Bundesliga – and a perceived lack of progress within the squad as key factors behind the decision. An official statement clarified that the move followed “intensive discussions with all stakeholders” describing the decision as a “difficult step.
VfL Bochum currently sits in 16th place in the league standings, just above the relegation zone, with only one victory in their first five matches. The team also narrowly advanced through to the next round of the DFB-Pokal, requiring extra time to defeat fourth-division side BFC Dynamo.