MSV Duisburg lost the friendly match against VfL Bochum 0-1 (0-0), but coach Dietmar Hirsch was still able to gain some insights, including about the new signings.

In the friendly between MSV Duisburg and VfL Bochum, which the second division team from Bochum won 1-0 (0-0), MSV coach Dietmar Hirsch gave both his new signings and players who have rarely played in the league so far the chance to show what they can do.

For example, goalkeeper Omer Hanin and striker Florian Krüger were on the pitch for the first 45 minutes. In the second half, Andy Visser made his debut in the Zebras’ jersey. All information about the line-up and the course of the game can be found here.

“We were able to play at competitive level, which is better than training during the international break,” explained Hirsch after the game. “We had one or two new players with us, and it was important that they were able to play alongside their new teammates.”

Despite initial difficulties, MSV kept up with their higher-ranked opponents for a long time and had several chances to take the lead, especially in the second half. However, Bochum’s Mats Pannewig scored the goal of the day with a header in the 69th minute, meaning that the Zebras were unable to equalize despite their best efforts until the final whistle.

Duisburg’s last defeat was some time ago, on July 12, also in a friendly against a second division team, Preußen Münster. In the game against Bochum, the result was also secondary for coach Dietmar Hirsch, who focused instead on the players who wanted to prove themselves.

“It was important that we moved well and were challenged. Although we have won a lot recently and of course no one likes to lose, the result was secondary,” Hirsch revealed. “We gave a chance to many players who have played little or not at all recently. Especially in the first 15 minutes, you could see that not everything was clicking yet.”

Despite everything, MSV fought their way back into the game, held their own and created a few chances without conceding too much. “We were unlucky to lose 0-1, but despite everything, I’m satisfied,” concluded the promotion-winning coach.