Relegated last season – now with the league stay as a tailwind on the promotion relegation place. What are the reasons for the unexpected rise of SV Meppen?
The plans were already geared towards the Regionalliga, but the withdrawal of KFC Uerdingen’s licence saved SV Meppen last summer. The Emslanders are currently seizing the unexpected opportunity by the scruff of the neck: 3rd place in the table – the best placing since promotion in 2017 is on the books after 15 games.
“A lot of things are coming together,” says defender Steffen Puttkammer, who also has no simple explanation for the upswing. The post-season rescue offers one approach. Players, coach and board want to prove that they can do better. “That already makes up a few percent more,” says the 33-year-old. No one wants this negative experience again, he adds.
Clear improvements in all areas
With the exception of the start of the season in Halle (1:3) and the 0:5 defeat in Mannheim, the Emslanders brought the basics onto the pitch. The effort is right, the switching game is recognised throughout the league. “Everyone is giving their all for everyone else,” says Puttkammer. This is important in what is, in his opinion, the most balanced league, where little things decide.
SV Meppen was susceptible to standards, has readjusted, and now concedes fewer goals from stationary balls. “We don’t allow many goals from play,” says Puttkammer. Up front, the team is creating many chances, but there is still room for improvement when it comes to converting them.
The team has gained in quality, which also improves the individual players. For example, captain Luka Tankulic is in top form. He can rely on his teammates, “can go into situations in a completely different way,” Puttkammer knows. The double six with David Blacha and Ole Käuper, who arrived in the summer, gives the SVM structure stability. But even when both were missing in Wiesbaden, it was enough to win.
“If you take just one step less, you lose “
Coach Rico Schmitt has a large squad with tremendous depth. “Everyone has aspirations, steps on the gas and is there when needed,” explains Puttkammer. “I have the feeling that we begrudge each other.” This is shown by the joint dance of joy of attackers Richard Sukuta-Pasu and Serhat Koruk after the winning goal against Türkgücü.
Meppen remain humble even after three wins in a row. “The success is only rented,” a satisfied Puttkammer quotes the German national coach Hansi Flick. The players know what they have to invest for it. “If you take just one step less, you lose. “
