Hecking’s Bochum contract to be extended – on one condition

Dieter Hecking’s contract as VfL Bochum coach will be extended by a further two years if the club avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

VfL Bochum have made great strides since Dieter Hecking replaced Peter Zeidler as head coach in November on a contract until the end of the season.

The Bundesliga’s 16th-placed side have now announced that the 60-year-old’s contract will be extended for a further two years – but only if they avoid relegation.

“VfL Bochum is a great club, I’ve said that many times and it’s confirmed every day,” said Hecking.

“We’re on the right track, but we’re not there yet. At the moment I am concentrating on staying in the league. That’s the only scenario I’m focusing on at the moment, and it’s the goal we’re all working towards at the club – the team, the coaching staff, the staff, the employees and, of course, the fans. And I am absolutely convinced that we will achieve it.”

Bochum managing director Ilja Kaenzig commented:

“We are delighted and proud to have found this solution. Dieter Hecking has shown every day since he took over that he is the right man for the job. And his statement proves that he has also sensed and realised what he has at VfL.