Nerves have been frayed at MSV Duisburg since the derby defeat in Essen. Those responsible must set the pace. There can only be one topic at the AGM. A commentary.
Relegation to the Regionalliga West is drawing ever closer for MSV Duisburg. Although the Zebras are in twelfth place in the table for the second half of the 3rd division, Boris Schommers’ team will probably end up carrying too much of a burden from the weak first half of the season six match days before the end. After the derby defeat at RWE (1:4), they are now eight points adrift of safety.
A miracle is needed. In figures, that means at least 15 of the 18 points still up for grabs. The duels against the competition from Mannheim (on Friday evening) and Lübeck (May 3) are still to come. However, there are also away trips to Ingolstadt and Dresden. After the defeats in Bielefeld and Essen, the faith of many fans is finally gone.
Boris Schommers and his players had no choice but to keep their hopes alive in order to protect the team. But the supporters no longer want to hear that.
They are demanding a perspective for the regional league scenario that was long considered impossible in Duisburg. And this is exactly what those responsible must deliver at the upcoming general meeting on Wednesday evening
What happens in the event of relegation? What conditions are required for the license? Which players and sponsors will stay on board? Despite the empty coffers, can the club put together a strong team that will play at the top straight away? Answers to these and other questions, which have no doubt been on the mind of managing director Michael Preetz for some time, must now be found.
Because: The former Berliner also has a contract for the fourth division, as he announced in the “Football Inside” podcast during the week. His retention would be a strong sign for the club, whose slide into the fourth division has been foreshadowed on many levels for several years. With the 56-year-old’s expertise, MSV could initiate the necessary new start. Of course, a lot of work awaits Preetz.
His appointment, which only came about at the turn of the year thanks to the persistence of president Ingo Wald, is currently the only glimmer of hope and could prove to be one of the few lucky breaks alongside Wald’s many misjudgements.
There will definitely be plenty to talk about at the AGM in the Theater am Marientor. Even though no elections are scheduled, the Zebra supporters can look forward to a long evening full of discussion. It’s all about the future of MSV Duisburg!