VfL Osnabrück is eagerly awaiting the top-of-the-table clash against MSV Duisburg. VfL coach Timo Schultz warns against the Zebras.

It’s a role that MSV Duisburg hardly seems to recognize anymore. When the Zebras take the field at VfL Osnabrück on Saturday, November 1, at 2 p.m., they won’t be doing so as league leaders. That’s because they lost first place to Energie Cottbus following their 1-1 draw against Rot-Weiss Essen.

Nevertheless, the promoted side is, of course, having a stellar season. Who would have thought that after twelve matchdays, the Zebras would travel to Lower Saxony in second place and be able to pull six points ahead of VfL Osnabrück?

VfL head coach Timo Schultz is, of course, well aware of the danger and quality posed by MSV Duisburg. “They are very dynamic and play well. They’re eager to play and have already scored quite a few goals. You can tell they’re having fun. They’ve carried the euphoria from last season with them. The team is very harmonious and well-coordinated. This will be a real challenge,” he said in an interview with the club’s channel.

For Schultz, MSV Duisburg wasn’t just another Regionalliga team either. “Last season, they already met the standards of a third-division side. With Rasim Bulic and Christian Viet, they’ve made some top-notch signings. Plus, they’ve brought in Florian Krüger, a striker who can make the difference. Duisburg is an absolute top-tier team.”

So everything is set for a top-tier match, for which VfL is naturally preparing as well. “Unfortunately, our training week was a bit like Osnabrück. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the training conditions aren’t quite as good. That’s when you realize we’re in the 3rd Division. We had to split up on a small artificial turf field.“

Still, no one is complaining, especially since the team was able to train in the stadium again toward the end and can continue to do so. ”That won’t have any impact on Saturday,” Schultz assured.

The Osnabrück coach is looking forward to an electric atmosphere—with visiting fans. There was no sign of them during the recent 0-4 loss to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. “We’re eager to play and want to perform better. I think the Duisburg team is also coming to win the game. So, let’s go!”