28,200 fans are expected to attend the derby between MSV Duisburg and Rot-Weiss Essen on Friday. Duisburg coach Torsten Ziegner wants to take the euphoria with him.

MSV Duisburg against Rot-Weiss Essen, this match has electrified many people in the Ruhr area since the third division fixture list was announced. The players and coaches are also getting more excited every day. MSV coach Torsten Ziegner spoke to the media on Wednesday morning about…

… the anticipation of RWE and the importance of the fans: “Personally, I’m really looking forward to it. We want to take the euphoria and the momentum with us. I’m hoping for a hot, tempo-packed game in which we can show that the team is on the right track. The fact that all tickets are completely sold out shows that people want to see us. We want to take this strength into the game. I can only appeal to our fans to support us loudly for 90 minutes and give the team the necessary backing. With this momentum, we have a great chance to win the game.

… the lessons from the Osnabrück game: Defensively, we worked very well and stood compactly. In our forward play, we have to create more chances to score. We worked on that in training and made progress. Now we have to transfer that onto the pitch.

.. the personnel situation: things are looking better, we have a lot of guys on the pitch. Missing will be the long-term injured Rolf Feltscher and Leroy Kwadwo. Julian Hettwer and Philipp König are still in rehabilitation training after their illnesses and will not play a role yet. Kolja Pusch was able to return to full fitness after his infection. Otherwise, all men are on board. Aziz Bouhaddouz is also back in full team training.

… the opponent and Essen’s 1:5 against Elversberg: The result doesn’t play a role in the preparation for the game. Every season, you can’t judge an opponent on the basis of one game. Of course, a 1:5 does something to the players. I was there myself and saw that the course of the game was anything but favourable. Elversberg scored four goals from the first four shots.

… the importance of his veterans: They are important not only in this game, but every week and in every training session. We have seasoned guys who bring a lot of experience and quality and will play a special role throughout the season.

… further activities on the transfer market: Of course, the most burning issue is the personnel of a new centre forward. We are working meticulously on that and are on the home straight with the talks within the club. They will be finalised next week. A decision can be expected after Zwickau (Tuesday, 7 p.m.; editor’s note). I will not comment on names.

Info: MSV Duisburg opens the stadium gates at 5 p.m. already and asks for an early arrival.