MSV Duisburg has almost completed its first week of preseason training. The first test match is scheduled for the weekend. There is still a long way to go before the start of the season.

At the end of the first week of training at MSV Duisburg, the first test match is scheduled against district league club Duisburger SV 1900. Kick-off at Düsseldorfer Straße is on Saturday, June 28, at 3 p.m. forecasting will provide live coverage of the match.

For coach Dietmar Hirsch, it will be his return to the third division when the 3rd league kicks off on the first weekend of August. Until now, he has always coached regional league teams. Except for the 2013/2014 season, when he coached SV Elversberg in the third division. Hirsch recalls: “I arrived in Elversberg after the sixth match day. Now we’ve been promoted and have our own preparations. It’s a different level.”

Third division, with his beloved club MSV Duisburg: The former Bundesliga pro is eagerly anticipating the season. “Without wanting to disparage anyone else, we are the most prestigious team to be promoted. That’s how we’re perceived. With Bielefeld and Dresden, two top-class teams are out. That’s a shame, but perhaps a good thing from a sporting point of view. The league is very balanced.”

However, Hirsch remains cautious about MSV managing director Michael Preetz’s three-year plan for a return to the second division.

Hirsch says: “As a coach, I don’t think in terms of years, but from season to season. If I’m still the coach here next year, we’ll have had a good season. That’s my goal. Of course, the club has medium and long-term plans, but everyone knows how fast-paced this business is. Over 50 percent of coaches are replaced, sometimes more, sometimes less. I’m realistic about that and have a different perspective.”