Münster – Preußen Münster have nine matches remaining to secure their second-year status in the 2. Bundesliga, and the upcoming stretch of games will be particularly challenging. Before the March international break, the “Schwarz-Weiß-Grünen” travel to Dresden on Sunday (March 15th, 13:30 local time/live on Sky), followed by a home match against Magdeburg. After a short break, they face away games against Kiel and Fürth. All four opponents are currently level with Münster in the league table, making these fixtures direct battles in the fight for survival.
The pressure is mounting, but Preußen Münster’s Sporting Director, Ole Kittner, remains optimistic. “We aren’t surprised by the situation, we’ve prepared for it,” Kittner said. “From the beginning, we knew there would be a tough fight for survival until the final matchday. Despite that, I am firmly convinced that we will succeed. The camaraderie and spirit within our team are exceptional. The team is intact, and those are the themes that will be decisive in the coming weeks.”
Preußen Münster goalkeeper Johannes “Jojo” Schenk in action.
Many fans had hoped for a more comfortable season after a promising start and 20 points collected in the first half of the campaign. Kittner acknowledged the disappointment, but emphasized the reality of Preußen Münster’s position in the 2. Bundesliga. “We had a phase in the first half of the season where we regularly had over 60 percent possession, for example, in the cup against Hertha or at home against Düsseldorf. That gives you a feeling of dominance and self-confidence for the moment. But that shouldn’t obscure the reality and the role of Preußen in the 2. Bundesliga. This league isn’t a given for Münster – it’s something special. We are still in the middle of developing the club. The stadium expansion impressively demonstrates that. Teams like Ulm and Regensburg, who started under similar conditions last year, are no longer in the league this season.”
Kittner dismissed the notion that Preußen Münster are overwhelming underdogs. “No, most of our competitors have more established structures, more revenue, and corresponding budgets. But we have other strengths. And we have already proven that we can compete with and even beat the heavyweights, as we did last Sunday at home against Hertha. After a – admittedly – weak first half, the boys did really well in the second half. We equalized early, took control of the game, and even bravely pushed for a winner towards the end. The individual error in the last minute was incredibly painful, no question. But the morale of our team gives us confidence for Dresden.”
Preußen Münster defender Jannis Heuer celebrates a goal, but his team ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat against Hertha BSC.
The upcoming matches against Dynamo Dresden, Magdeburg, Kiel, and Fürth are crucial, but Kittner stressed a game-by-game approach. “The fact is that these games are very, very important. But even if it sounds cliché – we really only look at one game at a time. That means: first, full concentration on Dresden. We expect a heated and intense atmosphere there. We want to be well prepared.”
Head coach Alexander Ende had previously announced a target of 20 additional points in the Rückrunde (second half of the season). While still achievable, it will be a tight race. Ende has also shown a willingness to deviate from his preferred diamond formation with short passing, occasionally opting for longer balls. Kittner dismissed any suggestion that this indicates a loss of faith in the coach. “No, Here’s another step in our development. In addition to the playing component, we need good decision-making. That can sometimes be a long ball. The important thing is that we play with the same idea and are convinced of it. The team and coach still form a very stable unit.”
While some nervousness is beginning to surface among the “Adler” (Eagles) supporters, their support remains outstanding. There have been only isolated boos and calls for Ende’s departure so far. A defeat in Dresden, still, could quickly change the mood. Kittner acknowledged the emotions but emphasized the club’s long-term vision. “These emotions and moods are part of professional football. It’s also important to address constructive criticism. At the same time, we all share the common goal of sustainable success at the club. We want a club that stands for development and clear identity. One that acts with conviction – and not according to current trends. We won’t question everything immediately at every change in mood that logically arises in sport. Our own ambition is to win the game in Dresden. But at the same time, a certain groundedness does us good.”
Regarding Alexander Ende, Kittner stated, “That means Alex is a good fit for Preußen Münster and vice versa. He identifies with the club and the task 100 percent. He is meticulous in his daily work, has a clear plan, and is an extreme competitor who subordinates everything to success. Our big goal is to play with Preußen in the 2. Bundesliga again next year.”
A fan interfered with a VAR review during a recent 2. Bundesliga match, unplugging the monitor and disrupting the process.
● Following the VAR sabotage incident during Sunday’s match against Hertha (1-2), the German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched. Due to the ongoing proceedings, the association is not yet commenting on any potential sanctions or their duration. However, it clarifies that the clubs themselves are responsible for securing the monitors, etc. The problem in Münster, however, did not lie in the lack of protection of the monitor. The perpetrators did not simply pull the plug, but disabled the entire power supply on the opposing tribunes.
Preußen Münster’s next challenge is a crucial away match against Dynamo Dresden on March 15th. The outcome of this, and the subsequent matches against Magdeburg, Kiel, and Fürth, will significantly impact their chances of maintaining their 2. Bundesliga status. Fans will be hoping for a positive result in Dresden to ease the growing pressure and fuel their fight for survival.
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