MSV Duisburg have returned from their training camp in Epe and are resting for two days. During these hours, Dietmar Hirsch will also continue to ponder

Dietmar Hirsch spent a week in Epe, Netherlands, preparing the MSV Duisburg players for the 2024/2025 Regionalliga West season, which starts in three weeks’ time.

His summary of the last few days was extremely positive – Forecasting reported. After three weeks of training, you would think that the MSV coach would have already agreed on the Zebras’ new captain. But no such luck. The 52-year-old has learned from the past.

“My coaching team and I may have decided on this important position too early in the past. At the moment, we have some experienced players in the squad. There are several players who could be considered for the captaincy. We’re not being rushed and are deliberately taking our time,” Hirsch explained to RS.

Alexander Hahn, Joshua Bitter, Tobias Fleckstein, Gerrit Wegkamp and Franko Uzelac, who already wore the armband at his last stations in Aachen and Fortuna Cologne, are likely to be hot candidates for the role of team captain. And: Hirsch knows Uzelac from their time together at VfB Oldenburg. He is considered a trusted player of the MSV coach. But: Uzelac was not captain under Hirsch in Oldenburg. So it remains exciting.

Perhaps a completely new player will become the new captain. As Hirsch revealed, Duisburg are far from finished with their personnel planning. Up to three reinforcements are still being sought.

“Two or three guys would still suit us well. We are still looking for reinforcements in both defense and offense. But the transfer window is still open for a long time and we’ll be patient. With good players, you sometimes need a lot of patience,” reveals Hirsch, who gave his charges two days off on Sunday (July 7) and Monday (July 8) before continuing with a double session on Tuesday (July 9).

MSV Duisburg’s summer schedule at a glance

Monday, June 17: First training session

Wednesday, June 26: Test match at SV Sonsbeck (7:1)

Sunday, June 30, to Saturday, July 6: Training camp in Epe (Netherlands)

Wednesday, July 3: Test match against Hibernian (0:1)

Saturday, July 6: Test match against Volendam (0:0)

Wednesday, July 10: Test match against Preußen Münster – closed to the public

Saturday, July 13, 2 p.m.: Test match against Bonner SC

Saturday, July 20: Test match against Notts County

Sunday, July 21: Family day at Westender Straße