Schmidt: "It’s important that we focus on ourselves”

New signing Felix Uduokhai could make his debut in FCA’s second away game of the season on Sunday, 1st September (15:30 CEST). FCA usually put in a strong performance against SV Werder Bremen and have eight top-flight victories against them so far. Head coach Martin Schmidt is aware of the qualities both the opposition and his own team possess. “With the exception of long-term injuries and two or three players with slights knocks, everyone is fit and training with the team,” says Martin Schmidt on the topic of availability in his squad. Felix Götze, Iago and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw are still ruled out but André Hahn and Carlos Gruezo are set to be fit for Sunday after slowly increasing their workload. Schmidt can therefore draw on an almost complete squad and emphasises the broad quality at his disposal in all positions. He also sees great quality in new signing Felix Uduokhai: “Felix is tall, strong and fast, and as a left-footer he is very important for our structure and attacking tempo. I am absolutely delighted that he can occupy this position for us.”

To Bremen with courage

Bremen have started the season with two defeats but that is not a fair reflection of their performances according to the FCA head coach: “You can see what their team is capable of when you look at the analysis. They vary their play, are difficult to figure out and have good structure. We have to be prepared for everything.” He also warns against underestimating the hosts’ injury-hit defence. “It’s important that we focus on ourselves and go to Bremen with courage. Then we will have a good chance.”