In the world of football, every player's journey has its own unique twists and turns. For Dietmar Hirsch, the current coach of MSV Duisburg, his path began at 1. FC Viersen, where he crossed paths with Willi Kehrberg, the trainer who shaped his early career.
As they prepare for the Niederrheinpokal semi-final against Union Nettetal on March 22, 2025, memories from the early 1990s resurface, reminding both coach and player of how far they have come. Back then, Kehrberg was stepping into the coaching realm, and young Hirsch was just starting to find his footing in senior football.
Dietmar Hirsch's football career took root at 1. FC Viersen. He played as a promising defender, but his rise wasn't without challenges. In February 1992, amid dire times for the club, Kehrberg was appointed head coach at just 29 years old. Despite the decision, Hirsch struggled to gain playing time due to the club's focus on experienced players during a relegation battle.
Reflecting on those times, Hirsch recalled, "When I returned to Viersen, the level of play had already increased significantly. The opportunities were limited, especially since there was strong competition for places. I even played for ASV Süchteln for a year because I initially didn’t see a future for myself at Viersen." Yet, fate had other plans for him.
Kehrberg’s arrival shifted dynamics at 1. FC Viersen, but not immediately in Hirsch's favor. "It was a challenging season with many pressures at the club. As a young coach, I initially relied on the more experienced players to help navigate through the relegation battle," Kehrberg explained. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the team did not avoid relegation.
Amidst the club’s restructuring, Hirsch's perseverance shone through, especially after the departure of Manfred Bergfeld, a key teammate. With financial constraints forcing Viersen to make cuts, the club needed young talent like Hirsch, who was convinced by Kehrberg to stay after considering a return to ASV Süchteln.
“I could see his potential early on,” Kehrberg recounted. “He possessed immense physicality and determination—he was relentless on the left side of the pitch.” Indeed, Hirsch proved his worth during the 1992/93 season, appearing in all 30 league matches and accumulating the most minutes on the team. His vigour did not go unnoticed; even Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Gerd Zewe saw talent worth investing in.
However, the decision to move was complicated. Hirsch had already verbally committed to another season with Viersen. "I faced quite the dilemma after receiving an offer from Borussia. I couldn't ignore the opportunity to play at a higher level, even if it meant leaving a team I had grown fond of," Hirsch remarked.
After a good natured yet poignant discussion, he opted for the chance at Mönchengladbach, despite the contentious opinions from teammates during a team getaway. "They laughed when I mentioned wanting to try for the first team in the Bundesliga, saying I must have lost my marbles!" Hirsch recalled with a smile.
While he won the DFB-Pokal with Mönchengladbach in 1995, Hirsch found it tough to secure a regular spot in the matchday squad, appearing only 21 times over two seasons. His real breakthrough arrived when he joined MSV Duisburg in 1996, where he truly cemented his status as a first division player with a total of 196 Bundesliga appearances throughout his career. Hirsch wrapped up his playing days in 2008 at VfB Lübeck, transitioning to coaching thereafter.
Today, Hirsch leads MSV Duisburg, who are the favorites going into the Niederrheinpokal semi-final against Union Nettetal. With Duisburg being a league leader in the Regionalliga, the stakes are high—not just for team success but also for Hirsch's journey, bringing a mix of his past experiences to the present challenge of aiming for a return to professional football.
Hirsch takes pride in his roots, stating, "I grew up in this region, and while I have moved on in my career, I will always cherish my time at Viersen. It’s where my journey began, and I owe a lot to my early mentors like Kehrberg."
The upcoming match has become a significant moment not just for the players on the pitch but also for Hirsch. A win would propel Duisburg to the cup final, with aspirations to compete in the DFB-Pokal. As both teams prepare for what could be a historic event, the echoes of the past guide Hirsch, as he aims not just for victory but for legacy.
"This is a chance for us to create something special," he said confidently. "And I plan to make the most of it for all of us who’ve dedicated so much to this club." As the match approaches, anticipation builds not just for the outcome, but for the culmination of a shared journey that initiated more than three decades ago.
In the weeks ahead, expect to witness reflection, determination, and the spirit of football that binds the past to the present as Dietmar Hirsch aims to lead MSV Duisburg into a brighter future.
