First goosebumps comeback, then competition jitters?
The highlight of Bochum’s goalless game against Leverkusen was the return of Simon Zoller (30) to the pitch. The fans cheered the goalscorer, who previously had to pause seven months after a cruciate ligament tear, with great emotion.
Zoller almost a little moved to BILD: “I really didn’t expect such a warm welcome. It was very emotional.”
After the final whistle, he immediately climbed onto the fence to his fans and spoke long and hard with them: “You thanked me for the past year and the rise and I thank you for the great reception for my comeback. I really appreciate that they support me like that.”
► Just two days later, however, he received the news that after the Bochum signing of KSC striker Philipp Hofmann (29/17 league goals) he would have another storm rival in the future (BILD reported).
No problem for Zoller, however. Especially since both professionals already know each other from their time together at Kaiserslautern, where they stormed side by side for around six months.
Zoller: “Philipp is a fine guy. I had a lot of fun with him. He’s doing too well for the 2nd division.”
Pure joy: goalscorer Simon Zoller talking to the VfL fans on the fencePhoto: Getty Images
Does he plan and hope to form a dual leadership with Hofmann in the future? “At the moment we are playing with Polter, Locadia and Zoller. Everyone who helps us stay top notch and get points is welcome. The coach decides everything else.”
In order to start the next “rescue mission” at SC Freiburg (Sat./3:30 p.m.) rested at the weekend, coach Thomas Reis (48) and his boys travel relaxed by train to Breisgau…
