For the second time in a row, Marvin Knoll was in the starting eleven for MSV Duisburg against Unterhaching (1-0). For the second time, the Zebras remained without conceding a goal. This is no coincidence.

As in the goalless draw against Preußen Münster, MSV coach Engin Vural relied on Rolf Feltscher, Baran Mogultay, Marvin Knoll and Joshua Bitter in the four-man defensive chain for the long-awaited first win in the current third division season against Unterhaching. And again, the Zebras looked stable at the back for long stretches. Captain Sebastian Mai was supposed to liven up the offense as a center forward.

The newly created compactness in the previously vulnerable defense is also a credit to Knoll. The 2022 winter newcomer hardly played a role under Torsten Ziegner. The home match against Haching was his sixth appearance of the season and also only his third over the entire 90 minutes.

“It was a nice feeling because we’ve been working so long towards our first win and we’ve also had a lot of bad luck in recent weeks. It wasn’t our best game. We could have scored one or two more goals, but we need to be more dangerous in the sixteen,” said Knoll.

The veteran is happy to accept his new role as head of the central defense. The months before were not easy for the 32-year-old. “As a footballer, you always want to have a bit of confidence and need a good game as a chest burster. Before that I always behaved top, gave gas, but never got the chance. That has changed now. I’m grateful for that and very happy. “

The Haching game left its mark physically. Knoll was plagued by some cramps in the final phase. “When you don’t play for months and have what feels like 100 header duels, it goes on your calves. At some point they say: stop it old man,” joked the former second division player.

Despite the return of Mai, there is currently no reason to make any defensive changes. Knoll also wants to show on Wednesday night in the Niederrheinpokal second-round match at KFC Uerdingen that his experience can be very important for MSV in the relegation battle.