Sportvereinigung Elversberg travels to MSV Duisburg on Tuesday (7 p.m., RevierSport liveticker). We spoke to SVE’s success manager ahead of the catch-up game.
SV Elversberg still has six match days to go to achieve its big dream of the 2nd Bundesliga. Recently, the SVE has been in a bit of a crisis, with two 0:1 defeats in a row.
On Tuesday evening (7 p.m., RevierSport live ticker), the Saarlanders want to take a big step towards double promotion with a win at MSV Duisburg – Elversberg was only promoted to the 3. Liga last season.
With a three-goal win in Duisburg, Elversberg would extend its lead to ten points in third place.
RevierSport spoke to SVE success manager Nils-Ole Book, who is also said to be on FC Schalke 04’s wish list, before the clash with the Zebras. No wonder: the 37-year-old has been doing a fantastic job at Elversberg for years, but is also tied to the Sportvereinigung until June 30, 2025 – just like his congenial partner and coach Horst Steffen.
Nils-Ole Book, before we get to the MSV game: What’s going on with you and FC Schalke 04?
I’m not going to comment on that. My focus is one hundred percent on promotion with Sportvereinigung Elversberg.
How do you assess the current situation?
Not everything has been as we would have liked lately. But apart from the Osnabrück game, we’ve actually always been the better team, the team with more scoring chances, including most recently in Aue. Normally, you win games like that. We just have to become more effective again.
Does your head play an even bigger role than usual now?
Basically, soccer is always a matter of the head. It’s the same for all teams at the end of the season. We’re not the complete exception. But we want to focus on what we have to do. We’ve done well with that this season. The opponents are adjusting to us in a different way than they did in the first half of the season. That’s something you can also state soberly. That doesn’t always make things easier. But we’re in a good starting position and can achieve our goal.
What kind of MSV do you expect?
It’s going to be a tough game for us. Duisburg are a good team, a strong opponent. For me, they are already through. They can play freely.
You were once promoted to the Bundesliga with MSV. Does the return to Duisburg still stir any emotions in you?
I think when I hear the MSV anthem, the emotions will be high. It’s one of the most beautiful club anthems ever. The promotion celebration in 2007 will always be remembered. I’m still in contact with Christian Weber today. He is a good friend.
Christian Weber is now sports director in Düsseldorf. If you move to Schalke, perhaps you would see more of each other in the future?
(laughs).
