Troubled virtuosos experience a decline in talent during their recent performances

In the ongoing 2. Bundesliga season, Hertha BSC and VfL Bochum are facing challenging times, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.

Hertha BSC has only managed to score one goal in their league games so far, a disappointing start for the Berlin-based club. Coach Stefan Leitl has expressed his apologies following their 0:2 home defeat against SV Elversberg, acknowledging the team's underperformance.

Meanwhile, the capo (leader) in the Hertha curve has demanded a team council to explain what went wrong. The performance on the pitch is currently a cause for concern, with the team yet to secure a win in their last four league games, placing them in 17th position.

Across town, VfL Bochum is also struggling offensively. Coach Dieter Hecking has complained about the "goal threat" being missing, as the team slipped to 16th place after a 1:2 defeat against Preußen Münster.

In a bid to strengthen their squad, Bochum is reportedly interested in Farid Alfa-Ruprecht from Bayer Leverkusen. Alfa-Ruprecht's loan for the 2025/26 season was announced on Monday, and Francis Onyeka is already part of the current squad on loan as of the 2025 season.

Elsewhere, Nuremberg and SC Paderborn played out a 0:0 draw. Miroslav Klose, coach of Nuremberg, had enough chances during the game but expressed frustration, stating "I would have liked to go in myself, but that wasn't possible."

Kiel, currently nine points behind league leaders Hannover 96, also suffered a 1:2 home defeat. Veteran player Steven Skrzybski demanded more responsibility with the ball and acknowledged the need to improve, stating "We recognize the things we need to improve and will continue to work on them."

Despite the struggles, Klose tried to see the first point of the season for the bottom-placed team as a success, stating "Everyone starts somewhere." However, turbulent times continue for Hecking as coach in Bochum, with isolated "Leitl out" chants heard in the Olympic Stadium after the game.

Benjamin Weber, sports director of Hertha BSC, found a question about a possible coaching debate to be disrespectful, reiterating the club's commitment to Leitl. As the season progresses, both Hertha BSC and VfL Bochum will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and climb up the league table.

Troubled virtuosos experience a decline in talent during their recent performances