Birmingham City striker Marvin Ducksch has revealed how he has had to adjust his game since moving to the physically demanding environment of the English Championship.
The German forward has experienced a mixed start to his Blues career, scoring five goals in 17 league appearances. Recently, he ended a difficult run with a brace against Coventry City, cementing his spot in manager Chris Davies’ plans once again.
Ducksch admits that settling into life in England has not been straightforward due to the stark differences in playing styles between the Championship and Germany’s leagues. Adaptation has been necessary not only because of the physical intensity but also the rapid pace at which Championship fixtures come around.
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“In Germany, even in the second division, we focus more on passing and building play,” Ducksch explained in an interview with German outlet Kicker, as reported by Get German Football News. “Here, there’s a lot of kick-and-rush football. Many teams send the ball forward quickly and hope for the best. The game is very physical, especially in the penalty area, with towering centre-backs often outweighing me by a large margin.”
He further noted the harsher refereeing style in England: “There’s no VAR here, and many fouls go unpunished. Players can get away with more physicality than in the Bundesliga.”
Ducksch also highlighted the intense fixture schedule: “In Germany, the Bundesliga has 34 matches per season, but here the Championship has at least 46 games. The festive period is especially gruelling, with five games in just 16 days. I had to adjust my body and mindset to handle the demands.”
Beyond football, Ducksch addressed a recent incident after Birmingham’s 3-0 defeat at Watford on New Year’s Day. The striker was seen approaching a supporter in the away section following the loss, a moment that was widely covered in the media.
He clarified the situation, saying, “One fan was heckling constantly, directing hurtful comments towards my family, which was unacceptable. He kept pointing at me and mouthing words. I just wanted to understand what his problem was. Unfortunately, the media exaggerated the incident far beyond what actually happened.”
Ducksch’s candid reflections offer insight into the challenges foreign players face adjusting to the brutal and fast-paced nature of the Championship, as well as the pressures they encounter off the pitch.