With Rot-Weiss Essen and MSV Duisburg, two big Ruhrpott clubs play in the 3rd division. MSV also wants to finish ahead of RWE in the coming season.

In an extensive interview with Ingo Wald, president of MSV Duisburg, the boss of the Zebras is also asked about the rivalry with league rival Rot-Weiss Essen.

Asked whether he is worried that RWE will finish ahead of MSV next season, Wald has a clear answer: “I know that it is very important for the fans that we are better than Essen. What I can say: Essen are doing a good job and if they make the right personnel decisions, they can play a good role this season. But I’m not afraid of Rot-Weiss Essen. I wouldn’t be angry if we were in the second division sooner. After that, RWE can also come up.”

In the interview, Wald also talks about Moritz Stoppelkamp possibly staying at the club, further new arrivals – so far only Santiago Castaneda (Tampa Bay Rowdies) and Thomas Pledl (Waldhof Mannheim) have been introduced – and the big goal of the 2nd Bundesliga.

You can read the complete WAZ interview here.

The contract situation at MSV Duisburg at a glance:

Expiring contracts (2): Lukas Raeder, Benjamin Girth

Longer contracts:

Until 2024 (18): Vincent Müller, Maximilian Braune, Sebastian Mai, Marvin Senger, Baran Mogultay, Niklas Kölle, Rolf, Feltscher, Marvin Bakalorz, Marvin Knoll, Niclas Stierlin, Jonas Meichelbrink, Caspar Jander, Alaa Bakir, Julian Hettwer, Chinedu Ekene, Philipp König, Joshua Bitter, Kolja Pusch

Until 2025 (2): Tobias Fleckstein, Hamza Anhari

Additions: Santiago Castaneda (Tampa Bay Rowdies), Thomas Pledl (Waldhof Mannheim)

Departures: Marlon Frey (TSV 1860 München), Moritz Stoppelkamp, Aziz Bouhaddouz, Marvin Ajani, Leroy Kwadwo, Vincent Gembalies (all destination unknown)