German Professional League - Zeidler, the favored candidate, shines as a hopeful figure for VfL Bochum.
In the future, Peter Zeidler will serve as the head coach in the Bundesliga and is expected to guide VfL Bochum towards a secure, sports-focused future. "I'm happy here in Bochum. The significance of football in the area is considerable, and the Bundesliga has always intrigued me," the 61-year-old VfL Bochum head coach described his experiences. The club remained in the Bundesliga thanks to a final-minute victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf in a nail-biting relegation match, which left a lasting impression on Zeidler.
"The way the team held together and how they fought determined VfL Bochum's character in my mind," Zeidler shared, as he stood before his new fans at Castrop Street. For the past six years, he had been employed at FC St. Gallen, having even committed to a contract that would have extended to 2027. Yet, when the opportunity arose to work with a club that truly engaged him, he was ready to move on. Zeidler signed a contract with VfL Bochum, effective until June 30, 2026. The specifics of his buyout clause were decided in confidentiality.
A Desire to Join the Bundesliga
Becoming the coach at VfL Bochum allowed Zeidler to realize a long-held dream. "My fascination with the Bundesliga has always been strong. And now is the time," said Zeidler. Bochum's management member Ilja Kaenzig, who had collaborated with Zeidler during their time together at FC Sochaux, owns a great deal of trust in him. "'Peter Zeidler is a stimulating trainer and an intriguing personality," Kaenzig remarked, who had been in continuous communication with Zeidler.
His approach to the sport is heavily influenced by the teachings of former coaches Ralf Rangnick and the RB academy. Hence, Zeidler's style meshes perfectly with the VfL Bochum mindset. Lettau, the sports director, detailed, "Our goal is to continue on the path we have chosen. We're fortunate to have a coach who is developing the VfL identity and accentuating our assets."
Yet, it's not the moment to discuss tactics and theories right away. "Obviously, I have ideas regarding how we should play. But, teamwork is most critical to me, and it drives our game style," the new VfL Bochum coach declared during his presentation on Monday.
Leaving St. Gallen with Pride
"St.Gallen gave me a rich, beautiful chapter in my training career. I will always maintain bonds with the club, players, staff, and the community in the area. We've established a solid foundation within the past years, which can support future success," remarked Zeidler in the official statement from St. Gallen.
Replacing him is the interim coach, Heiko Butscher, who has accepted the role of coaching the club's new U23 team and serving as the youth academy's leader. Butscher assumed control after the departure of Thomas Reis in September 2022 and once more when Reis' successor Thomas Letsch was dismissed by early April 2024.
