Hecking opens up on Bochum’s goalkeeping situation after Riemann’s return

Manuel Riemann’s return to the squad doesn’t change the goalkeeping hierarchy at Bochum, insists Dieter Hecking.

Manuel Riemann is back in training with VfB Bochum after the club confirmed on Monday that his lengthy suspension had been lifted.

This has led to speculation that the 36-year-old former first-choice goalkeeper could reclaim his place in the starting line-up from Patrick Drewes, who has conceded 30 goals in 10 Bundesliga games this season.

However, as new Bochum coach Dieter Hecking emphasized in an interview with Kicker on Monday, the goalkeeping hierarchy will remain the same for the time being.

“Manu’ hasn’t been in training with the team for several months. It’s a club decision. Now that we’ve reached an out-of-court agreement with him, we can move forward as a team. For now, it’s about integrating him into the new team – time will tell,” said Hecking.

“Of course I’ve heard that there’s some dissatisfaction with Patrick. I can only say that the 30 goals conceded were not only Patrick’s fault, but the defensive behavior of the whole team.”

Hecking described Drewes’ performance in the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen before the international break as “outstanding”.

“That’s why Patrick is our number one. There’s no reason to change that at the moment, and the same goes for Timo Horn, who is our number two.”