BOYS IN BROWN BEGIN AT BOCHUM
Thursday, 29. June 2017, 13:33 Uhr
The German Football League (DFL) released the fixture list for the 2017/2018 season on Thursday. The Boys in Brown will kick off their campaign at VfL Bochum on Friday, 28 July (kick-off: 2030 CET). Dynamo Dresden are the visitors for the first home game on the weekend of 4-7 August.
Bochum versus St. Pauli is also the opening fixture of the Bundesliga 2 season. Last season the Boys in Brown ended the 2016-17 campaign with a 3-1 win at Bochum on the final day to secure a seventh-place finish. Olaf Janssen's side then play host to Dynamo Dresden and former captain Sören Gonther on matchday 2 a week later.
The season opener at Bochum is the only fixture that has already been allocated a set kick-off time by the DFL. All other kick-off times should be announced next week.
INITIAL REACTION TO THE FIXTURE LIST
Head coach Olaf Janssen: " If you just take the first six games, we come up against teams who without exception have the same ambitions as we do if not more. That will sharpen our senses, especially now during pre-season, because everyone knows it's a demanding schedule. I'm really pleased that in Uwe Neuhaus I'll be able to welcome one of my best friends for my first home game at the Millerntor."
Christopher Buchtmann: "Being able to contest the opening game is special, of course. Bochum are a good side who play good football. We did well against them recently, it's not that long since our last win, is it? Dresden will provide tough opposition in our first home game. We know what we're up against now and will work hard with the start of the season in mind."
Philipp Heerwagen: "The way to Bochum is still very fresh in our minds. Whether it's the first or the last day of the season, the game at Bochum is always something special."
Sami Allagui: " "It's a shame we won't be starting at the Millerntor, but against Dynamo Dresden the time will have come. Bochum have strengthened well so far. It's a tough one to start with and we'll have to prepare well."
Waldemar Sobota: "It's not an easy start. The opening game at Bochum is a very interesting one. We've done well against them recently. Bochum will be looking to improve on last season and have strengthened their squad accordingly. We know Sören Gonther is looking forward to the game at the Millerntor but we're looking forward to our first home game just as much. We'll work hard to prepare for the new season over the next few weeks."
Photo: Witters
