Baum: “Staying up is like winning the title for us”

It’s off to Lower Saxony for FC Augsburg this Friday. FCA are looking to continue their good away form and take all three points back home with them. Every point is crucial for the struggling wolves, so a tough game is to be expected. In the week ahead of the Wolfsburg clash, head coach Manuel Baum had his team train behind closed doors. “We’re nearing the end of the season now, so it could happen that other teams send scouts to try and get a look at the sort of tactics we’re working on in training. We’re coming into a really crucial phase, so we’ve decided to train privately,” said Manuel Baum. “Our aim of getting to the 40 point mart has not changed. FC Bayern Munich won the title last week - for us, staying up is like winning the title,” Baum continued. Wolfsburg only held an open training session on Tuesday and have taken the same approach as FCA. “They’ve made some good progress over their last three games and have played with impressive tactical discipline. They can defend well and are very sound in their build-up play. Maximilian Arnold and Joshua Guilavogui give Bruno Labbadia two good players that make it all work. The team which goes out there on weekends now is much different to the one from five weeks ago,” said Baum on VfL Wolfsburg. The coach is well aware that his side has been playing much differently away from home compared to at home in recent weeks. That’s exactly why he appreciates the support of the fans even more. “I would rather that we were playing at home this week, because the support of the fans gives us an unbelievable foundation to build from. We unfortunately won’t have the same sort of backing on Friday night as we’re playing away, but all the support we can get is important until the end of the season,” explained Baum. First team player Christoph Janker added: “The atmosphere against Bayern was electric and you could see in the first 30 minutes what we’re capable of with the fans behind us. Even if we did lose to Bayern, we’re going to Wolfsburg with our heads held high.” Finnbogason still questionable Aside from Kevin Danso, Raphael Framberger and Kilian Jakob, the whole squad are making the trip to Lower Saxony. “As it stands right now, all players will be coming with us, but we have to wait and see how things are after the final training session. Alfred Finnbogason was fit before the last game, but he had a small setback in the last session. We didn’t want to risk any serious injuries and as a precaution we didn’t name him in the squad. It could also be a close decision on Friday. He has to not only be 100% fit physically, but also mentally,” Baum explained.