BERLIN – Bochum football coach Dieter Hecking has renewed his contract until 2027 despite looming Bundesliga relegation.
Hecking and Bochum made the announcement late Friday after a 0-0 draw at fellow strugglers Heidenheim added to their woes with two games to spare.
Hecking had originally renewed his contract as long as Bochum stayed in the top flight but also left a door open to stay on if the were relegated for a seventh time.
He will now stay regardless of the team’s fate. “I wanted to have the issue off the table,” he said, adding that he felt very good in Bochum where he took over last autumn.
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“Our task now is to use Dieter Hecking’s early commitment to put together a strong squad for the coming season,” sporting managing director Dirk Dufner said.
Bottom side Bochum are four points behind third last Heidenheim in the relegation play-off spot and have an inferior goal difference.
Their fate would have sealed if they had lost on Friday, and Hecking said he has not given up hope.
“We have to do everything we can to stay in the league. The belief is still there,” he said.
(ddpa)