VfL Bochum: Goalkeeper Riemann returns - what does that mean for Horn?

VfL Bochum: Goalkeeper Riemann returns - what does that mean for Horn?

After a turbulent time, goalkeeper Manuel Riemann (36) is back at VfL Bochum. This is followed by his suspension before the relegation against Fortuna Düsseldorf last season. Riemann has been back in training since last Monday, which triggers both hope and concern among the other goalkeepers of the association.

While Riemann initially only participates in training, his role could soon change. This message in particular meets Timo Horn (31), who has so far been only the second choice behind Patrick Drewes (31). Horn, a former FC Köln player, had switched to VfL last summer and explicitly stated that he had come with the aim of becoming number one. But these plans could now be far away.

The pressure on Timo Horn

Horn proudly explained that he was ready to fight the position of the regular keeper. But the situation intensified with Riemann's return. After a 0-2 defeat against VfB Stuttgart on November 23, 2024, Didi Hamann (51) commented on the current goalkeeper debate and explained that it was not smart to bring Riemann back as the third goalkeeper. He is convinced that Riemann will be back in the goal after the winter break, which endangers Horn's ambitions.

Hamann underlined his opinion with the statement that Riemann was the best goalkeeper in the team and it is likely that he could soon be number one again. For Horn, this would mean that he could not only fall behind Drewes, but possibly even behind Riemann and that he could hardly be expected in the Bundesliga. Horn has not played a competitive game this season.

Patrick Drewes himself showed no nervousness regarding the competitive situation. In Stuttgart, he expressed that rallyed as a colleague belongs to the team and raised the level in training. Drewes sees it as his task to show week after week that he is the first choice when it comes to playing in the first Bundesliga.

Riemann's return triggered an important discussion in the club. The upcoming games will be crucial, especially if VfL competes against teams with which they can keep up with sport - and only the strongest team can exist. According to Hamann, this also includes Riemann, which makes the situation even more precarious for Horn.

It remains to be seen how the goalkeeper situation at VfL Bochum will develop and whether Horn is given the chance to show his ambitions in the Bundesliga. After this clear orientation of those responsible for the association on Riemann, changes in the goalkeeper ranking are not excluded. The next few weeks could be decisive for all players involved. Further details on the current developments related to VfL Bochum are here to read.