First team players return to training
Head coach Enrico Maaßen speaks to the media
First Team
05.12.2022, 15:26
After a break of around three weeks, FC Augsburg have returned to training. Performance tests took place on the weekend, before Enrico Maaßen had his team out on the training pitch in cool temperatures.
“Everyone came back in good condition,” said head coach Enrico Maaßen after the first session, which included an 11-vs-11 game. The Bundesliga is currently in a mid-season break due to the World Cup and the winter, with FCA back in league action on Sunday 22nd January 2023 (15:30 CEST) when they take on Borussia Dortmund away from home. “The players could relax a little bit and spend time with their families or go on holiday,” said Maaßen on the season break.
With the exception of a short break between Christmas and the New Year, the team will train intensely in the upcoming weeks in addition to playing friendly games against Grasshopper Zurich (Saturday 10th December) and 1. FC Heidenheim (Friday 16th December). The team will undergo a training camp in Algorfa. “The boys can use the time to grow closer together and rediscover their spirit,” said Maaßen.
Gallery: 20221205-training
In addition to World Cup participants Ruben Vargas, Robert Gumny and Carlos Gruezo, Iago (illness) and Arne Maier (private reasons) were also absent from training. While Vargas and Switzerland are still competing in the tournament, Gumny and Gruezo are on holiday after their campaigns came to and end. Noah Sarenren Bazee, Mergim Berisha, Fredrik Jensen, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Julian Baumgartlinger and Niklas Dorsch worked individually, so a number of players from the youth teams trained with the first team. “We have a really interesting U23 squad and a lot of good players in the U19s,” said the head coach.
Maaßen hasn’t followed the World Cup especially closely, but has watched some highlight games, above all those of Switzerland. “For Ruben, I’m hoping that they can go as far as possible,” said Maaßen on the only remaining FCA participant at the World Cup. Vargas will take on Portugal on Tuesday.
