by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The action appears surprising but is said to provide some relaxation for VfL Bochum in dark times.
Taking over the Bundesliga's bottom side the previous Monday, 60-year-old Dieter Hecking lifted a beer ban in the locker room initiated by his predecessor, Peter Zeidler.
The side's locker room won't turn into a location comparable to the Oktoberfest, but a small bottle might be helpful after games, the new head coach says.
Every small detail seems good enough to turn things for the better as the iconic club is facing a particular challenge, with only a single point from the first nine rounds of matches.
While perennial underdogs Bochum seem used to challenges, the standings have never looked worse over the past decade. This Saturday, the team has a daunting visit from reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the club's narrow escapes in the previous three seasons, no team in a similar situation has escaped relegation from the Bundesliga.
"This might be the challenge of all challenges," the experienced coach said, relying on the expertise of over 400 games in charge of several clubs such as Wolfsburg, Hannover and Borussia Monchengladbach.
"I am a realist. We need some points ahead of the winter break to have a chance," the coach said, adding that a beer is always followed by hard work.
Having experienced several relegation battles, Bochum are not facing an unfamiliar situation, but doubts remain there is a way out this time.
"It's our choice to either continue playing the victim role or, despite the burden, start to run and fight," the new coach announced. He demanded to remember "the joy we all have playing football."
The upcoming international break provides an opportunity to possibly sign new players and work on the team's weaknesses.
Hecking is trying to spread the attitude, "We are in the first division, and things are not over. It's on us to do something about it." ■
