Leaders SSVg Velbert welcome 1. FC Monheim on matchday 18 of the Oberliga Niederrhein. Velbert coach Pappas does not want to give up first place.

On matchday 18 of the Oberliga Niederrhein, leaders SSVg Velbert will host eighth-placed 1. FC Monheim. At the same time as the game against FC Kray at KFC Uerdingen, the ball will also be rolling in Velbert’s IMS Arena on Friday evening (11 November, 7.30 p.m.).

Since the defeat against chaser KFC Uerdingen on matchday 10, the Velbert team is unbeaten, meanwhile already six games. “The boys believe in themselves more and implement what they have been trained well. We have a high individual, but also tactical class,” says coach Dimitrios Pappas, explaining the success at the top of the league.

In addition to the footballing qualities, Pappas also sees a development in character. “The boys have grown closer as a team, which you saw recently when they scored the second goal in Kleve. The way the boys all celebrated together, there’s a team on the pitch.”

However, 1. FC Monheim is an unpleasant opponent. Most recently, KFC Uerdingen dropped points against Monheim in a 2-2 draw. “We have a good average at home and know the pitch very well. We are very strong at home,” says Pappas, who ideally wants to win the next match in his own stadium. But the coach is warned about the guests. “We know our opponents and their quality. It won’t be an easy game for us. “

Captain Urban back on board

There are five games left for SSVg, including the Monheim game, before the Oberliga Niederrhein goes into the winter break. “We’re in first place now, and of course we want to keep it until then,” Pappas states, adding: “The goal in every game is of course to get as many points out of the competition as possible.”

Manuel Schiebener will not be available against Monheim due to his fifth yellow card, but captain Robin Urban can return to the squad instead.