1. FC Monheim has done it. After one year in the Landesliga Niederrhein 2, they will return to the Oberliga next season. Coach Dennis Ruess talks about the upcoming season.

After relegation from the Oberliga Niederrhein last season, 1. FC Monheim is back in Germany’s fifth highest division after just one year in the Landesliga Niederrhein 2.

The last Landesliga match for the time being is scheduled for Sunday. FC will host SG Unterrath, who could still slip into a deciding round if they lose, in which it will be decided who has to go into the relegation play-off.

Coach Dennis Ruess is aware of the responsibility: “Even if you have achieved your goals and nothing is at stake on paper, you still have internal goals on the one hand and on the other hand you always have a responsibility to the league.”

Although he wants to give players who will be leaving the club a few more minutes of action, they will still take the game seriously. Due to a number of injury-related absences, some changes will have to be made anyway. “It’s not like we’ll be playing in swimming trunks,” added Ruess jokingly.

A few new players have already been signed for the new season. Out of respect for the other clubs, the coach does not yet want to reveal which players are involved: “We want to give the club that is leaving the club the opportunity to give their player a proper send-off. It is important to us that the player commits to us and not that we announce it as early as possible.”

However, squad planning is still underway: “We don’t have to do too much more, but we still have one or two personnel issues to resolve. Also in the area of leading players. Someone who is a leader on the pitch. I think it would do us good if we could get another one of those.”

Ideally, Monheim is still looking for a versatile defensive player. One obstacle in squad planning could also be the professional aspect. According to the coach, the time aspect in particular should not be underestimated. “Maybe something will come up on the home straight.”

Although the coach is aware that the challenge of returning to the top division is a big one, he is confident that his team will take on the challenge of the top division based on the squad planning and the new additions that have already been secured.

However, he is also aware that a good squad and good preparation do not guarantee relegation: “You can prepare as much as you like. There is no guarantee.”

First up, however, is the last regional league game for the time being against SG Unterrath. Kick-off is at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A week later, they will face DV Solingen again in the Solingen District Cup