Rules for promotion to the second division
Prussia’s success caused major restructuring measures
May 7, 2024, 10:50 a.m
Back to the 2nd Bundesliga after 33 years? Preußen Münster, once a founding member of the Bundesliga, is very close to success. The performances are good, but there are many tasks to be mastered in the team environment. Also because the DFL wants it that way.
The success story of Preußen Münster continues. For the third division newcomer, the door to march through to the 2nd Bundesliga is wide open. “We have the big goal right in front of us, now we want to see it through,” said captain Marc Lorenz after the 4-1 (3-0) win against cup semi-finalists 1. FC Saarbrücken. With a two-point lead over Jahn Regensburg in third place, the founding member of the Bundesliga has a chance to return to the second division after 33 years.
“Yes, it’s on the plate now. But nothing will happen on its own. We have to keep working,” said Münster coach Sascha Hildmann, dampening expectations. But the momentum clearly speaks for Münster before the last two games at SC Verl and against SpVgg Unterhaching. Twelve of the last 17 games were won. “The boys aren’t being impressed by anything right now, they’re doing their thing. It’s fun,” said Hildmann: “Of course we’d like to keep second place.”
Aerial view of the Prussian Stadium.
(Photo: picture alliance / David Inderlied/Kirchner-Media)
But the Prussians’ success also has its downside: in the middle of the most important phase of the season, it has now been announced that sports director Peter Niemeyer will be moving to Werder Bremen as the new head of professional football in the summer. And in the event of promotion, the Münster team has received the license, but only under conditions.
Extensive work needs to be carried out on the 98-year-old Preußenstadion. There is currently space for 12,800 spectators, but at least 15,000 seats are required. The floodlights are not yet bright enough, there are not enough seats for TV broadcasts and the club has to name an alternative stadium. Although the stadium expansion has already begun and the capacity is expected to increase to 20,000 spectators by 2027, the club emphasized: “Meeting the numerous requirements within the specified deadlines will demand everything from us financially, personnel and organizationally.”