In the first home game of the third division season, MSV Duisburg will welcome TSV 1860 München. Torsten Ziegner is confident.

When MSV Duisburg meet TSV 1860 München at their home stadium on Saturday afternoon (19 August, 2pm), it will be their 59th meeting in a competitive match.

Whether in the Bundesliga, 2nd League, 3rd League, DFB Cup or the last 16 of the German Championship (1931) – the paths of the two traditional clubs have already crossed in various competitions. The balance is clearly in favour of 1860: 16 victories for MSV, 14 draws and 28 times Munich left the pitch as the winner.

MSV celebrated their last win in 2021 with a penalty goal by Moritz Stoppelkamp. On Saturday, it should be that time again. For that to succeed, MSV coach Torsten Ziegner hopes his team can develop a home strength – unlike last year:

“We are looking forward to our first home game just like the fans. Due to the lack of qualification for the DFB Cup, we had a forced break last week. Now we’re happy that it’s going to continue and we’re immensely excited to finally play in our stadium again. Of course, we want to play a better round than last season – also at home. Unfortunately, we didn’t play well enough at home and we want to do better this year.”

A lot has changed at the Munich Lions during the summer break. More than a dozen arrivals and departures were announced by the club, which finished last season in a disappointing eighth place. Among the newcomers are two players who wore the MSV jersey last year. They are Marlon Frey and Leroy Kwadwo. While midfielder Frey played 97 competitive games for MSV, defender Kwadwo made 42 appearances in zebra stripes. Frey, however, will not be able to play at his old stomping ground due to a red card (last season against Saarbrücken).

If we work very well both defensively and offensively, then we will win the game. I am convinced of that.

Torsten Ziegner.

Ziegner expects – regardless of the transfer activities – a well-rehearsed opponent: “1860 have kept their coach. That’s why the way they play football won’t change much compared to last season. Of course, there have been some personnel changes in Munich. With Stefan Lex and Marcel Bär, they have lost two important players. Nevertheless, many parts of the team have stayed together, so the old automatisms are still right. But we don’t want to put too much emphasis on what the opponent is particularly good at or not so good at.”

The MSV coach continued: “It will be important that we focus on our things. In a home game in front of so many spectators (up to 15,000 fans are expected, editor’s note), we naturally want to play well. If we work very well both defensively and offensively, we will win the game. I am convinced of that. “