MSV Duisburg is back on track and wants to confirm this away at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. But coach Dietmar Hirsch also warns against the TSG reserves.

Unlike some of its other well-known competitors, MSV Duisburg did not embarrass itself in the Lower Rhine Cup at SV Sonsbeck. The Zebras completed their task against the Oberliga team with a 3-0 win and are now looking ahead to their away game at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m.

Around 1,000 MSV fans are expected to attend. There will also be a box office for last-minute ticket buyers. The away game against the seventh-placed team should be quite interesting. TSG has already caused some damage to several top teams and those aspiring to be top teams, including VfL Osnabrück (4-0), TSV 1860 Munich (5-1), Hansa Rostock (1-0), and Energie Cottbus (4-1).

“They have also lost to top teams like Essen,” Hirsch countered, but he also praised the opponent. “Hoffenheim II is rightly in the upper half of the table. They are a good team and have achieved exceptional results recently. But they have also had some negative surprises. Hoffenheim II is an extremely strong, courageous team that has very good players, especially on the offensive wings. They like to go one-on-one at speed. We have to defend against that.”

However, Hirsch did not want to hear anything about a surprise package. “In terms of personnel, perhaps. No matter which game you look at, you can see that the way they play with and against the ball is independent of personnel. So we know what our opponents are doing, which is certainly not a disadvantage. The pros are playing at the same time, but I basically expect everyone to be there.”

MSV have to play their game, Hirsch emphasized. “We have to play with high intensity, be brave in our approach and be brave in our transitions. If we can do that, then we’ll be difficult to play against for any opponent.”

In terms of personnel, Hirsch has a full squad to choose from. The only players who are definitely out are the long-term injured Jakob Bookjans, Dennis Borkowski, and Jan-Simon Symalla. “Omer Hanin still has some problems with his rib and needs rest, although he hasn’t been fully fit recently anyway. Otherwise, all the players are fit—even those who were rested a little in the cup.”