Bochum is starting the new season with a completely updated squad. It's immediately noticeable that the hosts are active in the transfer window than many of their direct competitors. Ten new signings are expected to inject some fresh energy, including attacking midfielder Berkan Taz, who arrives in the Ruhr region with an impressive record in the 3.Liga, and center-back Michael Steinwender, who was a regular starter for Scottish runners-up Hearts. At the same time, Bochum had to cope with the departure of numerous key players such as Onyeka, Lenz, Vogt, Morgalla, and Alfa-Ruprecht. Despite this, preseason training went reasonably well overall. They lost only one of their six friendlies, and the final preseason match against Sheffield United ended in a draw. However, Bochum has now gone ten years without a league opening-day victory. Their home record last season, with just eight wins in 17 matches, was more solid than outstanding, making the first matchday an interesting test for Bochum's new project. The players who left the guests may be even more significant with Kenneth Eichhorn, Fabian Reese, Tjark Ernst, Michael Cuisance, and Michal Karbownik, the capital club lost several key figures without yet finding equally capable replacements. Consequently, there is considerable skepticism surrounding the club with many fans struggling to understand the club's cautious transfer policy and approaching the start of the season with mixed feelings.