Gameday in Germany: Hatters score four in final tests before Premier League debut
What we learned in our last two pre-season warm-ups
Luton Town travelled to Germany for their final pre-season fixtures ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
Around 450 travelling fans - including yours truly - were treated to three hours of football in a double header against Bundesliga side, VFL Bochum.
It was the last big test before the start of the Premier League season, and I was hoping to find out as much as possible in Bochum. And what I saw was truly a mixed bag.
In this edition of Between The Houses…
What the Hatters need to do now: How the matches in Germany shine light on what Luton need to do differently this season
Our newest superstars: New faces, old favourites and unlikely bright sparks - who I think will get game-time
Brothers in Bochum: The fitting friendship Luton could form abroad and what German fans are thinking about the Luton story so-far
Taste of Bochum
With two weeks notice the Hatters faithful found their way to Bochum by any means necessary. Accompanied by my fellow Hatters I flew to nearby Dortmund, where we stopped for a few beers, before getting the efficient German trains to Bochum. Other fans flew to Dusseldorf and Cologne, whilst a few flew into neighbouring Holland.
A stop off at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park was necessary as we needed to give the iconic stadium a taste of Luton. Next stop, Bochum…
Saturday was the day Luton played against their German opponents. Ahead of the game Hatters fans gathered in a local pub, speaking to Bochum fans and contributing to the local economy.
The German hosts were pleased to see us and share stories of their club. Bochum fans are proud of their side, once a former Bundesliga mainstay before coming on harder times. A one-club community, with a strong industrial past, Bochum and Luton have plenty in common.
We made our way to Bochum’s 27,599 capacity Vonovia Ruhrstadion and took our places in the caged away terrace, a far cry from the all seater stadiums throughout the UK, made even better by beer being allowed into the stands. The ticket also gave us the choice to walk round to the seated away section, providing much needed respite in the almost five hours spent in the ground.
Game One
Line up:
Kaminski
Kabore
Lockyer
Bell
Giles
Nakamba
Mpanzu
Clark (subbed for Nelson, 82 mins)
Chong
Morris
Ogbene (subbed for McAtee, 82 mins)
The first game saw Luton field a strong side, including newest addition Thomas Kaminski in goal after he was announced as a Hatter on Thursday evening. With Mads Anderson unwell, the ever-present Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu dropped in to the back three alongside Tom Lockyer and Amari’i Bell. The team included five new additions, plus the now permanent Marvellous Nakamba.
Luton started relatively slowly and it was the hosts who took the lead through Kevin Stöger after a defensive mix-up. Bochum’s ‘Can Can’ goal song instantly lifted our spirits in the away end and we were quick to join in, before continuing to sing it at any available opportunity throughout the afternoon, to the laughter of neighbouring Bochum fans.
After some sustained pressure from Luton, we equalised through Tom Lockyer. The defender scored with a headed effort from a perfectly placed Ryan Giles corner on 38 minutes, adding to his goal count from last season and reminding us of his threat as we prepare for the challenges to come.
The Hatters continued to pose a challenge to the opposition, creating opportunities for Chong and Morris before the half time break. Kaminski showed why we were so keen to bring him in during the first half, claiming crosses confidently and proving an upgrade Ethan Horvarth when it comes to distribution from the back, with his long passes finding Morris and Ogbene.
The second half began with another goal, this time after Stöger played the pass to set up Japanese international, Takuma Asano, who slotted the ball home past Kaminski. There was little threat from Luton in the second half and it was the hosts who almost scored a third when Christopher Antwi-Adjei fired a shot low, before Pelly successfully cleared.
The biggest concern from a somewhat uncharacteristic Luton performance was the injury to Jordan Clark. The playoff final goal scorer was stretchered off in the second half and I will be one of many hoping he is back soon as he will no-doubt be crucial for us this season.
Despite losing 2-1 there were positives to take. New signings Giles and Chong impressed, with Giles delivering accurate crosses into dangerous areas and Chong looking like a really strong addition, with positive drive and momentum carrying the ball. His speed and power will be crucial, particularly when we are under pressure.
Fans have already got a song sorted for him.
Game Two
Line-up
Macey
Doughty
Francis-Clarke
Odell-Bature (Subbed for Luker, 84 mins)
Potts (Subbed for Bateson, 26 mins)
Johnson
Watson
Campbell (Subbed for Nelson, 87 mins)
Berry (Subbed for McAtee, 87 mins)
Adebayo
Woodrow
Luton’s line-up for the second game looked much less like the one which will probably start against Brighton on Saturday, with Alfie Doughty, Elijah Adebayo and Luke Berry the three most likely to get an opportunity.
The Hatters started the second match better than the first and the players on the pitch were playing with a point to prove as they looked to stake a claim in the team. We took the lead through Luke Berry when he met a Cauley Woodrow pass and placed his effort past the keeper.
Bochum equalised through Bero after he beat Luton’s makeshift back three, including two academy defenders, to head home a cross from former Arsenal academy player, Jordi Osei-Tutu. There was more concern shortly after when Dan Potts was forced off with an injury and was replaced by academy defender, Jack Bateson. Potts’ injury leaves Luton without a substitute centre back ahead of the match at Brighton.
The remainder of the half was relatively quiet and I took the opportunity to get a Bratwurst and beers, (thoroughly recommend). The back three of academy players looked composed and are a good sign of things to come from the club.
We retook the lead in the second half. Adebayo met a Doughty cross and finished in an empty net. The pair will be hoping to regain their places following pre season and I expect Adebayo to start over Ogbene against Brighton. Doughty was impressive throughout the game as he was last season, I think he will be unlucky to miss out on the starting spot to Giles.
Six minutes after the second, Luton doubled their lead. Berry was in the right place at the right time, as he so often is, and met a cross from Adebayo with a diving header. I think Berry will be crucial this season, with his knack for being in the right place, along with his desire and fight in midfield which will certainly upset a few teams.
The game and a long afternoon of football came to an end and finished 3-1 to the Hatters. There were plenty of positives to take from it and Rob Edwards will have a lot to think about this week. Hopefully the injuries to Clark and Potts are not too serious.
The German hosts were great and were clearly entertained by us in the away end. Luton fans were immense throughout the day and certainly enjoyed having a pint on the terrace. We can definitely expect the ‘Can Can’ to be sung next season.
I won’t be alone in hoping we can develop a real bond with Bochum and would love to see us face them again, I would also recommend the city’s Bermuda Triangle of bars and pubs for a night out, although perhaps a few too many beers were consumed (the less shared the better).
Thoughts from the fans abroad
Luton’s story has travelled across the world and a number of Germans were keen to stop us and chat about Kenilworth Road and the Premier League. Even in Dortmund, when the German giants were facing Ajax, fans of Dortmund and Ajax were looking at the Luton badge on our shirts.
The weekend was fantastic and was a great opportunity to see the Hatters face a side in Europe, a first for many of us.
Bochum were able to survive in the Bundesliga last season on limited recourses, finishing above the likes of giants FC Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin. The Hatters will be hoping to emulate their German counterparts in their first season in the top flight in 31 years.
New signings and established players impressed in both games and I expect a few changes to the team which started the first game against Bochum. I think Adebayo and Anderson will both start when we face Brighton and Luke Berry has certainly put his name in the picture.
It will be a tough test but I believe we have enough to get a result, especially with 3,000 Hatters heading down to the South Coast and getting behind the team.
Great article Finley. Was a pleasure to drink alongside you
Love this
Keep it coming
COYH ⚽️🎩