Jentzsch: “Tough match in Bochum”

After failing to win their matches away to Lautern and Gladbach, the Wolves finally took maximum points from the Niedersachsen derby at home to rivals Hanover last weekend. In his weekly Captain's Corner feature, the Wolves skipper Simon Jentzsch describes the relief shown by the match winner Juan Menseguez, and looks ahead to the Bundesliga round 26 clash away to struggling VfL Bochum Saturday (19.03.05, kick off 3.30 pm) , a clash which Jentzsch sees as one of the toughest of the Wolves’ remaining matches left this season…

vfl-wolfsburg.de: Simon, first of all, congratulations on winning the derby match! It was a tough match and in all honesty, the Wolves were a little lucky that day…

Simon Jentzsch: Yes, we had luck on our side, but that is part and parcel of football. In previous matches we have not had much luck, like for instance our match away to Gladbach. That day a late goal robbed us of a result. Our character and team spirit in that match laid the foundation for the victory against Hanover.

A key part of that game was the winning goal scored by Menseguez, his first ever goal for the club. The Argentinean is homesick, how did he react after the game?

Simon Jentzsch: He was of course happy and relieved; we were all delighted for him. It is a tough situation for Juan, who is a long way from home. He needs a little more time to acclimatise himself to his new surroundings. He was superb during his first 6 months in Wolfsburg, but after that he seemed to fall into a hole. The goal was just what he needed.

Why did the side struggle after making such a good start in the game against Hanover?

Simon Jentzsch: Hanover was solid at the back and closed us down well. They are a difficult side to play. We knew beforehand that it was going to be a battle. We rose to the challenge, took our chance and gained maximum points. That is all that counts.

The Wolves played with determination and passion, attributes which coach Gerets had missed during previous matches, especially in Gladbach. You will need those things on Saturday when the Wolves travel to Bochum, a side battling for Bundesliga survival. It could be a case of last chance saloon for Bochum…

Simon Jentzsch: Bochum is a tremendously difficult opponent; it could be one of the toughest games left this season. They are a strong side at home and have created plenty of chances during their last few matches. Our advantage could be that the longer the game goes on without any Bochum success, the better it will be for us. We reckon that that could be our big chance, and we plan to take that chance…

It will once again be all change in the Wolves’ defence in Bochum. Quiroga returned from suspension for the Hanover match, but now Kevin Hofland has picked up a tenth yellow card and will miss the match in Bochum. Can you explain Kevin’s "yellow fever"?

Simon Jentzsch: Kevin is a really tough player, but in his defence I must admit that some of those cards were a bit close to the mark. He is an important player, and we will miss him in Bochum. We have proved in recent matches that players like for instance Juan Menseguez or Maik Franz, can fill the void.

What do you reckon; can the Wolves finally win their first away match in ten attempts?

Simon Jentzsch: It would be about time that’s for sure! After beating Hanover, we travel to Bochum with our heads held high. Once again I’d like to point out that it will be a very tough match, because Bochum has their back to the wall. It will be crucial to win deciding tackles there on Saturday.

Thanks very much for taking the time to talk to us Simon, and good luck in Bochum.