The marriage between Vitesse and Thomas Letsch has come to an end, the Arnhemmers announced through the official channels. The German returns to his native country, where he starts working for VfL Bochum. Assistant coach Jan Fiesser is also leaving, he is going with Letsch. The Bundesliga is reportedly paying 500,000 euros to Vitesse to buy off the 54-year-old coach’s contract, which ran until next summer.
Bochum is last in Germany with one point from seven games and fired trainer Thomas Reis last week. Without the coach, the first point was taken this weekend (1-1 against 1. FC Köln) and with Letsch the club hopes to start on the way up again. The Vitesse coach, who reached European football in his first full season and was eliminated from the Conference League by AS Roma last year, has a good name in Germany due to his past at RB Leipzig.
Technical director Benjamin Schmedes regrets the departure of Letsch. “Thomas indicated a few days ago that he respected his contract with Vitesse, but that he would like to take the opportunity to work in the Bundesliga for the first time in his career. We were willing to cooperate, provided we reached an agreement with VfL Bochum,” said Schmedes. “We are very grateful to Thomas for everything he has done and meant for Vitesse. He has made history with the club, especially in Europe. Thomas then says goodbye through the front door. We wish him every success in the Bundesliga and for the rest of his career.”
Letsch says he will miss Vitesse. “I look back on a special time, in which we were able to share great successes and experiences with each other”, says the German coach. “On the one hand, I am sorry to leave the club after more than two years, because I enjoyed every moment from start to finish. On the other hand, I wanted to take the opportunity to coach a team in the Bundesliga,” says Letsch. “I want to thank all players, staff, colleagues, supporters and sponsors and will thank Vitesse for always in my heart. I wish the club the best.”