Kjell Wätjen getting regular game time, but VfL Bochum stuck in crisis | OneFootball

Kjell Wätjen temporarily left Borussia Dortmund in the summer to gain regular playing experience above the regional league level. This plan has largely worked out following his loan to VfL Bochum, but things are far from smooth at BVB's local rival after their relegation from the Bundesliga.

For 89 minutes on Friday evening, it looked like VfL would secure their fourth point on the fifth matchday against SC Paderborn. However, in the final minute, Lucas Copado scored the winning goal for the hosts, sending the disheartened Bochum team home with their fourth defeat in five games.

While discussions about coach Dieter Hecking are already loud on Castroper Street, he received public backing from the management, including CEO Dirk Dufner, after the game in Paderborn. Meanwhile, the already substituted BVB loanee had to watch the decisive goal from the sidelines. The 19-year-old, who was substituted in during the first two matchdays, was in the starting lineup for the third consecutive time but couldn't prevent another defeat.

Wätjen misses the lead

Positioned on the right offensive, Wätjen was indeed diligent, but he had some issues with Paderborn's wing-back Raphael Obermair, both in the 4-1-4-1 and later in the 5-3-2 formation, especially when moving backward. Offensively, the youngster was able to make some impact but failed to put his team in the lead. After 56 minutes, Wätjen had a shot following a pass from Francis Onyeka but was denied by SCP keeper Dennis Seimen.

Wätjen's workday ended after 75 minutes. Newcomer Michael Obafemi came onto the field but also failed to make a decisive impact.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.