Duisburg’s performances are improving, but this is not yet reflected in the corresponding points. Even under the new coach Hagen Schmidtthe Zebras remain in the bottom of the table.
One win, one draw and two away defeats – that’s the balance sheet of the new MSV coach Schmidt. After the 2:3 at TSV München 1860 the Zebras are still stuck in the bottom of the table. The 51-year-old has not yet been able to solve the central problem of stabilising the defence. In Munich, the coach was once again annoyed by unnecessary goals conceded.
Not least because of the lack of personnel. Against 1860, the trained centre-back Vincent Gembalies had to help out as a right-back. The experiment failed, Gemablies caused two penalties. Schmidt, however, held his hand protectively over the homegrown player: “I’m not going to pillory him now. “
Bakalorz should become a leading player
Overall, the coach sees his charges, whom he now prefers to play in a 4-1-3-2, on the right path: “We will approach the further tasks in the same way as we presented ourselves in Munich.” One hopeful is the 32-year-old veteran Marvin Bakalorz, who, however, made a mixed comeback after his red card suspension (three games). The defensive midfielder, who has not yet been able to live up to expectations in the wake of injuries, illnesses and the ban, is expected to grow into his role as a leading player in the coming weeks.
Good news in Munich for the MSV was the comeback of winger Marvin Ajani. The 28-year-old returned earlier than expected from a torn ligament in his ankle and was substituted in the final phase. Schmidt thus has at least one more alternative back.
