Letsch commits to start for Wittek against Hoffenheim
VfL Bochum trainer Thomas Letsch revealed on Thursday that he would trust former prodigy Maximilian Wittek to serve in his starting XI against Hoffenheim tomorrow in the Bundesliga's round 14 curtain-raiser.
Relegation candidates VfL Bochum shall be seeking to put together some momentum during their Friday night trip to Sinsheim. After upsetting VfL Wolfsburg at home last week, Thomas Letsch's Revierklub hope to secure their third league win of the season. VfL trainer Thomas Letsch made public how he would handle at least one personnel decision at his Thursday presser.
Missing defender Keven Schlotterbeck due to accumulated-yellow-card suspension, Letsch committed to starting German fullback Maximilian Wittek on the left. Brazilian defender Bernardo - who started on the left and scored a goal last week - will move into central defense to take Schlotterbeck's place. Letsch lauded his long-time Vitesse player for his recent training performances and guaranteed the 28-year-old a start on Thursday.
"Maxi did really well as a sub last week and has trained well," Letsch said, "He will play at left-back against Hoffenheim. Bernardo will move central."
Letsch also strongly hinted that he wished to stick with another former Vitesse player in his starting XI, Matus Bero, despite the fact that the Slovak was slow to get going last week after a long injury layoff. Speedy attacker Christopher Antwi-Adjei - after scoring off the bench against Wolfsburg - was also mentioned as a potential candidate for Letsch's XI.
Heading into the Friday night fixture, many trends speak in favor of a Bochum win. Hoffenheim's home form has been especially poor this season. Letsch's 1848ers are on a five-game-unbeaten run in the league. The VfL trainer - recently signed to a contract extension - has also never lost a Friday night fixture whilst working in German football. Letsch has won two and drawn three such matches.