The next DFB-Pokal match is coming up, and once again, VfB faces a second-division team, this time SSV Jahn Regensburg. What’s the situation with relegation-threatened Regensburg? Moiners gives us the details.
With the Red Stripe: How has the season gone so far? Are fans deeply disappointed, or was a tough season expected?
Moiners: Well, logically, we’re very disappointed. Everyone expected a very tough season, especially in such a strong second division, but there was still some hope that we’d at least stay in the conversation when it comes to avoiding relegation.
Promotion coach Joe Enochs has already been let go. Is it going any better with Andreas Patz?
I love Joe Enochs as a person, but it was logical that he couldn’t stay after those performances. However, I don’t understand why they thought it was a good idea to make Enochs’ assistant the new head coach. Sure, we won the first two matches after he took over, but it’s the same soulless football we’ve been playing for a year under Enochs.
The DFB-Pokal is going better. You’ve already beaten VfL Bochum and Greuther Fürth and made it to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2020. Is that at least some consolation?
Of course, it’s at least a bright spot in an otherwise crappy season. The cup has its own rules, and maybe this fairytale can continue. Weiden isn’t in the competition anymore, so just give us Inter Milan next!
How did fans react to drawing Stuttgart in the cup?
Mixed feelings. Personally, I would’ve loved a nearby away game (more than that wouldn’t have been possible for work reasons—thanks, DFB scheduling nonsense!). But you can’t complain about a home game against a team like Stuttgart. I’m particularly excited because of the friendship with the Kickers and the rivalry with VfB and Reutlingen that comes with it.
How did the fan friendship with the Stuttgarter Kickers come about?
The friendship between SVK (Stuttgarter Kickers) and SSV (Jahn Regensburg) has officially existed since 2005, but the history goes back much further. The Regensburg fan club RWB 81 (Rot Weiß Bavaria—originally a Bayern fan club that later split off and formed its own group around Jahn) had connections with the “Blue Boys” in the late 1990s. During a match between the two teams (then in the Regionalliga Süd), both groups met for a few beers and invited members of the ultra groups BB95 and UR01. This led to closer connections and eventually a true friendship. That friendship also brought ties with the blue-and-white supporters from Linz, who have been friends with the Kickers since the early 1990s.
Does the match against VfB carry extra significance because of this?
Absolutely. It’s going to be a heated game—on and off the pitch. Let’s not kid ourselves; the supporter scenes of the two clubs are worlds apart, so caution is always advised. I’m looking forward to a fiery match with chants and banter, but hopefully no incidents that affect regular fans. That’s why I can only say: Regensburg supporters, keep an eye on your belongings, especially if they’re from the fan shop.
Who is your Regensburg player of the season? Who should VfB watch out for?
It’s hard to name a standout player who hasn’t been poor, but we still have a few bright spots. In goal, we have Felix Gebhardt, an absolutely top-class keeper. He’s made a few mistakes in recent weeks, but if you followed the third division last year, you know what a beast he is. Among the outfield players, I’d highlight Leopold Wurm and Louis Breunig. Wurm is only 18 years old but delivers solid performances week after week, and I’m confident he’ll keep it up. Breunig works tirelessly every match and is often our most important defender. Lastly, we need to talk about Dominik Kother. Rumor has it he had talks with top clubs but ultimately stayed with Jahn. No one understands why he hasn’t been playing much lately—he has so much potential.
How would you describe Regensburg’s style of play? What are the team’s strengths and weaknesses?
That’s a great question. I don’t think you can describe our style at the moment. It’s mostly uninspired and spiritless football. Our squad is built for the third division and nothing more. The defense gives everything week after week, but it’s useless when our biggest weakness is the attack. We don’t have a single striker at second-division level. Christian Kühlwetter was hyped as our savior, but I think it couldn’t have turned out worse. Our set pieces are on a similar level—no ideas, just poor. But I’m happy to be proven wrong.
Your prediction and feeling for the game?
I’m going into this game without any real expectations. I don’t think anyone truly believes in a win, but as we know, anything is possible in the cup. Realistically, I’d say a 0–3 loss to VfB, but I’m hoping for a last-minute 2–1 winner for the Sport- und Schwimmverein.
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Jasmin Walter/Getty Images