Khedira: "Very proud to be part of this experience"
First Team
24.06.2020, 13:28
After confirming safety this past weekend, Rani Khedira and FCA are heading into the final game of the season at home against RB Leipzig on Saturday (15:30 CEST). In an interview, the midfielder spoke about the reason behind Augsburg's success and the upcoming game.
A 1-1 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf was enough to confirm a 10th straight season of Bundesliga football for Augsburg. "That was the goal we were working towards over the course of the entire season," said Rani Khedira. "The fact that we were able to confirm it with one matchday still to go makes us even happier."
The 26-year-old has become a key player for FCA this season, featuring in 31 of 33 Bundesliga games in 2019/20. "It makes me very proud to be a part of this experience," he said. Augsburg's development over the last few years cannot be taken for granted, especially given the financial constraints of the club. The crucial factor has been the team's mentality, which has helped it to hold its own against much bigger clubs. "When other teams come to Augsburg, it's never easy for them," said Khedira.
Khedira on his former club Leipzig: "A team with a lot of quality"
Augsburg will host RB Leipzig at the WWK ARENA in their final game of the season. Third-place Leipzig need a win in order to ensure their spot in next year's Champions League. "Leipzig have had a very good season, and were top at the winter break," said Khedira. "They are a team with a lot of quality. If we're able to keep them contained, however, then we will be able to win."
Saturday's game will be a special one for FCA's number 8 for more reasons than one. Khedira missed the reverse fixture (3-1 defeat) due to a yellow-card suspension. He also played for RBL from 2014 to 2017, before making the move to Augsburg. "We won 1-0 in my first game against Leipzig," the midfielder said. On that occasion in September 2017, it was Michael Gregoritsch who scored the winner for FCA. "We wouldn't mind repeating that result on Saturday," he said.
