Letsch cites Masovic and Riemann as critical factors in win over Bayern
VfL Bochum trainer Thomas Letsch credited makeshift defensive midfielder Erhan Masovic for helping his team turn the tide in last night's upset victory over German giants FC Bayern München. A specific tactical tweak involving the Serbian international helped shift the dynamic.
Letsch spoke of Masovic's improved performance defending FCB danger man Jamal Musiala after a protest-induced break in the action and noted that victory would not have been secured without some outstanding late saves from keeper Manuel Riemann.
German record champions FC Bayern München seemed well on their way to securing an easy victory against lower-third table side VfL Bochum last night. Thomas Tuchel's visiting Bavarians took control of the match early at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on the Castroper Straße. FCB and German national team attacker Jamal Musiala netted the 1-0 in the 14th. The heavy favorites then had plenty of opportunities to score again and put the game beyond reach.
Letsch spoke of Masovic's improved performance defending FCB danger man Jamal Musiala after a protest-induced break in the action and noted that victory would not have been secured without some outstanding late saves from keeper Manuel Riemann.
As was in the case in virtually all German footballing stadiums this weekend, prolonged fan protests against the new DFL licensing deal from the stands then disrupted proceedings. VfL trainer Thomas Letsch noted in his post-match interview with German broadcaster DAZN that he used the break to address a tactical deficiency within his squad. An injury to pivotal midfielder Patrick Osterhage forced central defender Erhan Masovic into a midfield deployment.
Bochum encountered great difficulty dealing with Raphaël Guerreiro and Musiala down the Bayern left. Letsch acknowledged that his team were losing the battle on that side and that he utilized the break in the action to talk over a positional change with Masovic. Bochum were able to score two first-half goals after play resumed.
"Bayern were clever on the left," Letsch said, "Musiala. Phrew! When he has the ball at his feet, he's pretty damn good. We had our problems there, which is why we told Erhan to push over a bit."
Letsch also expressed pride in his team for breaking their recent habit of conceding late goals in second half stoppage time. The winning gaffer admitted that Harry Kane's late pullback goal left him feeling nervous. Letsch had no qualms about stating that his team was lucky to have not conceded the 3-3.
"To be honest, we could have conceded the third goal," Letsch said, "We would have been back to square one and let the win slip out of our hands. [Keeper] Manuel Riemann did a great job [with a late save against Leroy Sane]."
Letsch - having taken sober note of all the nuance surrounding the surprise win - ultimately shifted out of critical gear and concluded his interview on a more positive note.
"If you win against Bayern, you can't have done everything wrong," Letsch summed up with a grin.