MSV Duisburg is back on track and aims to build on that momentum in their away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. But coach Dietmar Hirsch is also cautioning his team about the TSG reserves.

Unlike some other big-name rivals, MSV Duisburg didn’t slip up in the Lower Rhine Cup against SV Sonsbeck. The Zebras handled their task against the Oberliga side with a 3-0 win and are now looking ahead to the away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m.

Around 1,000 MSV fans are expected. There will also be a box office for last-minute attendees. The away match against the seventh-place team should be quite interesting. After all, TSG has already dealt a significant blow to several top teams and those aspiring to be among them, including VfL Osnabrück (4-0), TSV 1860 Munich (5-1), Hansa Rostock (1-0), and Energie Cottbus (4-1).

“They’ve also lost to top teams like Essen,” Hirsch countered, though he also praised the opponent. “Hoffenheim II rightfully sits in the upper half of the table. They’re a good team and have recently achieved exceptional results. But they’ve also surprised us in a negative way. 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.”

But Hirsch didn’t want to hear anything about a “surprise package.” “In terms of personnel, maybe. No matter which game you watch: You can see that the way they play with and against the ball is independent of the players. So we know what the opponent does, which is certainly not a disadvantage. The pros are playing at the same time, but basically I expect everyone to be there.”

MSV must impose their game, Hirsch emphasized. “We have to play with high intensity, press boldly, and switch play boldly. If we can manage that, then we’ll be tough to play against for any opponent.”

In terms of personnel, however, Hirsch has a full squad to choose from. The only players definitely out are the long-term injured Jakob Bookjans, Dennis Borkowski, and Jan-Simon Symalla. “Omer Hanin is still having some issues with his rib and needs rest, though he wasn’t fully fit for the last game either. Otherwise, all players are fit—including those who were rested a bit in the cup.”