This week, the team of "VFL Bochum" is receiving a lot of attention from the German media. Represented by Arvydas Novikovas, the team will test their strength tonight in the German Cup against the multiple Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich. Most second division clubs already accept defeat in advance against such opponents, but Bochum coach Gertjan Verbeek disagrees with the statement that their team has no chance against the opponents.
"Most people say we have nothing to lose. But that's not true - we could miss out on the semifinals! Of course, it will be difficult - Bayern is one of the strongest teams in Europe. We are happy to have the opportunity to play against Bayern. It will be a fantastic match! I would like to play against them twice a season, but for now, we have to be content with these matches," said coach Verbeek.
The coach does not hide that the weekend victory against Freiburg has given confidence to the players and he hopes that his team believes in their chances to defeat Bayern.
"I hope my team will believe in themselves. We want to achieve a good result. I would consider it a tough match until the end, with the possibility of victory. After every victory, our confidence grows. We fought well over the weekend and defended well. We hardly gave the opponents any chances. But we know that against Bayern, we will have to play even better. We cannot give them any chances - with their abilities, they will take advantage," Verbeek said.
However, Bochum's coach does not expect his team to just defend throughout the game and plans to present their arguments in attack against the opponents.
"I know that Bayern will always find an answer. They can play very differently and are always dangerous for opponents' goals. You cannot constantly pressure such a team. Against Bayern, you are forced to defend well. Hoffenheim played well against them, despite losing 0:2, and Bayer drew. This shows that you can achieve a good result against Bayern. We have a game plan, and it also includes actions in attack. We want to make their game as difficult as possible. And we will not change our tactic. We will play the same way we played when we beat Hertha, Gladbach, and Bayer clubs, and we hope to achieve something similar against a top-level club," the Bochum coach was determined before the match.
In this match against Bayern, Arvydas Novikovas could also have the opportunity to shine. The 25-year-old Lithuanian has finally recovered from injuries and is more frequently included in the Bochum lineup. This season, the forward has played six matches in the 2.Bundesliga and provided one assist. In the weekend match against Freiburg, Novikovas was listed for the game but did not get off the bench.
