After the defeat against Dynamo Dresden, only a win counts for MSV Duisburg in the next home game against Freiburg. Kolja Pusch and Boris Schommers are optimistic.

It was injury time in the first half of the third division duel between MSV Duisburg and Dynamo Dresden when Kolja Pusch didn’t think twice. The central midfielder took the poorly cleared ball from the opponent directly and scored a spectacular goal from 18 meters into the left corner. A dream goal that didn’t ultimately lead to anything. The Zebras lost in the 3rd division with 2:4.

Pusch was not really happy about his first goal of the season to make it 1:1. “It doesn’t help. We have no points, but we showed a good performance,” said the 30-year-old, praising the team, and was particularly referring to the strong first half against the second-placed team, in which the Zebras created many chances and also worked well against the ball.

When asked about the weak conversion rate of the numerous opportunities, the former Krefeld player was evasive. “I see it as progress and that’s what counts for us. We have improved bit by bit and are now at the point in the league where we can win games or play for victory. But of course the defeat hurts,” said Pusch.

Boris Schommers was similarly confident after the latest performances. Despite the weak points in the first half of the season, the belief in staying in the league is still there. “We have taken a step forward. I see a clear development in the last four games. If we continue on this path, we will get the necessary points and stay in the league.”

The first step in this direction is to be taken next Wednesday. In the home game against bottom-of-the-league SC Freiburg II, only a win will count for the Zebras, just as it did against Lübeck at the beginning of December. The attitude and commitment shown on Sunday will make it possible, says the coach. “We must not let our heads hang and must continue to play in a structured manner. Then the results will come by themselves,” Pusch was also sure.

Although “only” three points are at stake, the next home game is incredibly important for the Meiderich team as they continue their fight against relegation.