Efficiency Leads to a Rout: MSV Duisburg celebrated a decisive 4-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart II. Coach Dietmar Hirsch praised the team’s maturity, compactness, and his strong new signings.
MSV Duisburg made a strong statement right at the start of the year. With their 4-0 (0-0) away win at VfB Stuttgart II, the Zebras recorded their biggest away victory of the season—they had already posted a 4-0 win at Jahn Regensburg back in August.
Dietmar Hirsch was understandably pleased, emphasizing above all his team’s maturity and efficiency. “I’m delighted with the result and the three points,” the coach said after the match.
“We held our own well in the first half and didn’t give them many chances. The opponent had maybe three shots on goal—all from outside the box. Stuttgart is a strong team, but they barely posed a threat in our penalty area.”
Although MSV created a few dangerous moments in the first half, they weren’t consistent enough. That changed significantly after the break. “The second half was very mature. We remained compact, transitioned well, and were then extremely effective,” praised Hirsch.
New Signings Make an Immediate Impact
The coach particularly highlighted the two new signings. Lex Tyger Lobinger scored a goal and provided an assist, while Aljaz Casar impressed with his power in midfield. “Both made an immediate positive impact. Tyger scored a great goal and put in a rock-solid performance; Aljaz was just as impactful in the center. These are players who make us even better—you could see that. The key was the team effort—our cohesion, our transition play. That was really awesome.”
The 54-year-old coach took Lobinger—who was already on a yellow card—and Rasim Bulic—who was at risk of a yellow-red card—off the field early as a precaution. “I only found out later in the week that Tyger already had four yellow cards. We didn’t want to take any risks,” the coach explained.
Tugbenyo Impresses at Playmaker—Training Camp Pays Off
Jesse Tugbenyo received special praise for his impressive performance in the unfamiliar playmaker position. “We wanted to rely on physicality and play simple soccer with lots of long balls—as a tactical measure against an opponent that presses high,” Hirsch explained.
Tugbenyo neutralized the quality of the opponent’s pressing early on, won many first balls, worked hard defensively, and made an impact offensively. “He defended well and even scored a goal.”
It’s no coincidence that MSV is currently playing so efficiently. At the training camp in Belek, the Zebras focused specifically on improving their effectiveness. “We had more big chances again—and we capitalized on them. Our efficiency was as high as it was at the start of the season.”
A statement victory—and an MSV team that showed its best side right on time for the start of the new year.