MSV Duisburg is back on track and aims to build on that momentum in an away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. But coach Dietmar Hirsch also warns against the TSG reserve team.

Unlike some other high-profile rivals, MSV Duisburg didn’t put a foot wrong 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 game 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 game against the seventh-place team should prove quite interesting. After all, TSG has already dealt some serious blows to top teams—and those aspiring to be among them—with wins over 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 standings. They’re a good team and have recently achieved exceptional results. But they’ve also had some disappointing performances. Hoffenheim II is an extremely skilled, courageous team that has very good players, especially on the offensive wings. They like to go one-on-one at a fast pace. We have to defend against that.”

Hirsch, however, wouldn’t hear of calling them a “wild card.” “In terms of personnel, perhaps. But no matter which game you watch, you can see that the way they play with and against the ball isn’t dependent on who’s on the field. So we know what the opponent does, which is certainly not a disadvantage. The pros are playing at the same time, but I generally expect everyone to be available.”

MSV has to impose its own style of play, Hirsch emphasized. “We have to play with high intensity, press boldly, and transition quickly. If we can pull that off, we’ll be a tough team for any opponent to play against.”

In terms of personnel, however, Hirsch has a full roster to draw 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 the players are fit—even those who were rested a bit in the cup.”