English-born Ghanaian defender Jordi Osei-Tutu has emerged as a potential contender for a spot in VfL Bochum’s squad, following an impressive performance in their recent pre-season match.
After a six-month loan stint at Greek first division club PAS Ioannina, the 25-year-old was initially considered a likely candidate for sale by the relegation-threatened team.
Osei-Tutu was not assigned a shirt number at the start of training, but was unexpectedly fielded in Bochum’s first test match under new coach Peter Zeidler against Rot Weiss Ahlen. Wearing the number 47 jersey without a player name, Osei-Tutu scored the interim 2-1 for VfL in the 87th minute and subsequently converted a penalty to secure a 3-1 victory.
Despite the win, Zeidler expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, including Osei-Tutu’s display in the attacking midfield role during the second half. However, the coach indicated that he has not given up on the defender and is willing to work with him to improve his game.
“I wasn’t happy with him, and I want to explain to him how we want to play together,” Zeidler said after the game. “I said I wanted to watch him again, and you shouldn’t judge too quickly that the player will never play a role here again.”
Osei-Tutu, who has a contract with Bochum until 2025, could still leave the club before the Bundesliga season begins on August 23rd. However, Zeidler is keen to give him a fair chance to prove himself until then. “Then it’s a matter of whether he accepts it, whether he learns it or not,” the coach added.
