Bochum sack Hecking and Dufner after poor start to the season

VfL Bochum have sacked head coach Dieter Hecking and sporting managing director Dirk Dufner.

Following a disappointing start to the season, VfL Bochum have parted ways with head coach Dieter Hecking and sporting managing director Dirk Dufner with immediate effect.

The decision has been made after Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Paderborn, which has left Bochum sitting 16th in the 2. Bundesliga. 

Relegated from the Bundesliga last season, the club have picked up only three points from their opening five matches.

“The club is responding to the disappointing start of the season following last year’s relegation to the 2. Bundesliga, as well as the lack of progress within the team, and has taken this difficult step after intensive discussions with all parties involved,” read a VfL Bochum statement.

From Tuesday, U19 coach David Siebers will take charge of the first team on an interim basis. The 38-year-old has been part of Bochum’s youth setup for more than a decade.