Augsburg’s Thorup Expects Relaxed Personnel Situation Despite Illnesses
Augsburg, Germany – Despite several players falling ill in recent days, FC Augsburg head coach Jess Thorup anticipates a more relaxed personnel situation for Friday’s Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig.
"I have the feeling that we’ll be able to field eleven men," Thorup said ahead of the match. "I’ll be able to call upon a very good team."
The 54-year-old coach explained that numerous academy players had recently been filling out the depleted squad in training. Elvis Rexhbecaj, Steve Mounié, Chrislain Matsima, and Keven Schlotterbeck have all been sidelined in recent days. Thorup plans to assess their fitness levels in the remaining training sessions before making a decision on their availability for the Leipzig match.
Mads Pedersen, who has been frequently injured this season, has suffered a ligament tear and will not be available against Leipzig. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan next week will determine the extent of striker Mergim Berisha’s thigh injury and how long he will be out of action.
Despite the injury concerns, Thorup remains optimistic about Augsburg’s chances against Leipzig. The team has been defensively solid and is unbeaten in their last five league matches.
"That gives us a lot of self-confidence," Thorup said.
Augsburg’s Recent Resurgence
Augsburg’s recent form has been a welcome departure from their struggles earlier in the season. The team has moved out of the relegation zone and is now sitting comfortably in mid-table.
Thorup has credited the team’s improved performances to their defensive solidity. Augsburg has conceded the fewest goals in the Bundesliga this season, with only 15 goals allowed in 22 matches.
"We’ve defended very well as a team," Thorup said. "We’ve been able to keep our shape and discipline, and that’s been a big factor in our success."
In addition to their defensive stability, Augsburg has also shown an ability to create chances and score goals. Ghanaian winger Daniel Kyereh has been a key player for the team, with seven goals and two assists in 22 league appearances.
Leipzig’s Formidable Challenge
Despite Augsburg’s recent resurgence, Leipzig will pose a significant challenge on Friday. The Red Bulls are one of the most in-form teams in the Bundesliga, having won their last four matches.
Leipzig is also known for their attacking prowess, with Christopher Nkunku and André Silva forming one of the most dangerous strike partnerships in Europe. Nkunku has scored 15 goals in 22 league matches this season, while Silva has found the back of the net on ten occasions.
Thorup is well aware of the threat that Leipzig poses, but he is confident that Augsburg can get a positive result if they play to their strengths.
"We know that Leipzig is a very good team, but we’re also confident in our own abilities," Thorup said. "If we can stay organized and disciplined, and take our chances when they come, then I think we have a good chance of getting a good result."
