VfL Osnabrück is eagerly awaiting the top-of-the-table clash against MSV Duisburg. VfL coach Timo Schultz warns against the Zebras.

It’s a role that MSV Duisburg hardly seems to recognize anymore. When the Zebras take the field at VfL Osnabrück on Saturday, November 1, at 2 p.m., they won’t be doing so as league leaders for once. That’s because they lost first place to Energie Cottbus following their 1-1 draw against Rot-Weiss Essen.

Nevertheless, the promoted team is, of course, having a stellar season. Who would have thought that, after twelve matchdays, the Zebras would travel to Lower Saxony in second place and be six points ahead of VfL Osnabrück?

VfL head coach Timo Schultz is, of course, well aware of the danger and quality posed by MSV Duisburg. “They’re very dynamic and play well. They’re eager to play and have already scored quite a few goals. You can tell they’re having fun. They’ve carried the euphoria from last season with them. The team is very harmonious and well-coordinated. This will be a real challenge,” he said in an interview with the club’s channel.

For Schultz, MSV Duisburg wasn’t just another Regionalliga team either. “Last season, they already met the standards of a third-division team. With Rasim Bulic and Christian Viet, they’ve made some absolutely top-notch signings. Plus, with Florian Krüger, they’ve brought in a striker who can make a difference. Duisburg is an absolute top-tier squad.”

So everything is set for a top-tier match, for which VfL is, of course, also preparing. “Unfortunately, our training week was a bit like Osnabrück. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the training conditions aren’t quite as good. That’s when you realize we’re in the 3rd League. We had to split up on a small artificial turf field.”

Still, no one is complaining, especially since the team was able to train at the stadium again toward the end and can continue to do so. “That won’t have any impact on Saturday,” Schultz assured.

The Osnabrück coach is looking forward to an electric atmosphere—with visiting fans. There was no sign of them during the recent 0–4 loss to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II. “We’re eager to play and want to put on a better performance. I think the Duisburg team is also coming to win the game. So, let’s get this show on the road!”