Schmidt: “On Saturday, we want to thank the fans for all their support”

FC Augsburg are looking ahead to their ninth year in the Bundesliga next season. However, FCA head coach Martin Schmidt wants his side to end the season in style in the final two matches of the season. Schmidt also wants his side to secure victory in their final home match of the season against Hertha BSC on Saturday (15:30 CEST). Saturday’s fixture also provides the Fuggerstädter with the perfect opportunity to thank the fans for all their support this season. The aim of securing another season in the top flight has been achieved. Martin Schmidt and FC Augsburg can start to look ahead and make plans for the 2019/20 Bundesliga season. The relief from both the fans and everyone connected with the club is visible. The Swiss head coach is pleased his side have been able to secure survival with three matches to spare. “It is good that we are now able to starting planning for next season. However, on the other hand, we also want to finish the season strongly in our final two matches. We don’t just want to be celebrating Bundesliga survival now. We also want to carry some positive momentum into next season. To achieve this, we need to secure two more positive results.” The first step to achieve this will be securing a good result in FCA’s final home match of the season against Hertha. More than just 9 years of Bundesliga Both on and off the pitch, FC Augsburg would like to celebrate Bundesliga survival with the fans during Saturday’s final home match against Hertha BSC. The fans have played their part in helping the team secure a ninth consecutive season of Bundesliga football. Eight years ago this week, Stephan Hain scored the winning goal against FSV Frankfurt to secure the Fuggerstädter’s promotion. Martin Schmidt is looking forward to marking these achievements in front of the fans on Saturday. “The fans have been very patient with us this season. We want to thank them for all their support on Saturday. The best thing would be celebrating all three points with them after a good performance. We want to celebrate both on and off the pitch.” However, the Blue-Whites won’t make it easy for FCA on Saturday. The 52-year-old Swiss coach is wary of the strong chemistry within the Hertha squad and the dangers they possess. “People who know Hertha understand they are a very robust and strong team. They also possess several players with individual quality. These include Ibisevic, Lustenberger and Kalou. These players can often make the difference in front of goal.” In the WWK ARENA for the final time, FCA hope to end the season in style.