Schmidt: “We want to score goals in Frankfurt”

Martin Schmidt takes charge of his first FC Augsburg match on Sunday away against Eintracht Frankfurt (18:00 CEST). Martin Schmidt’s birthday week couldn’t go much better. The Swiss, who turned 52 on Friday, will take charge of FC Augsburg for the first time on Sunday. The former Mainz and Wolfsburg coach has fond memories of facing Sunday’s opponents Eintracht Frankfurt. “My first match as a Bundesliga head coach was against Frankfurt. My first match in charge of Augsburg will also be against Frankfurt.” However, Schmidt is not thinking about potential celebrations upon his return to Bundesliga football. “Of course, the nicest gift I have been given is the opportunity to return to the Bundesliga as a head coach. Most of all, however, I want to celebrate a victory on Sunday together with the team.” The team need to secure points against Frankfurt on Sunday to start celebrating, and this won’t be easy. Currently fourth in the Bundesliga table, Frankfurt are one of the favourites to secure Champions League football for next season. Martin Schmidt is aware of the quality the Eagles possess ahead of the trip to Frankfurt. “Frankfurt are currently playing exceptionally well both physically and mentally. They are in incredible form, play fast football and their style of play is impressive. It will be a tough match but we are fully focused on taking something out of it. We want to score goals in Franfkurt. We will look to play attacking football and attempt to outplay their pressing game.” Positive vibes in the team With his first training session with the team, Martin Schmidt was able to observe the current squad morale. The relegation threatened team, however, are in high spirits: "I didn't get the impression that the team need to improve their morale. You can see that the atmosphere is positive and that the boys are ready for the fight." Martin Schmidt's squad will not need to make any changes either: "The squad is almost already back to full fitness. Alfred Finnbogason, Michael Gregoritsch and Julian Schieber all trained with the team again and are available for Sunday. I will decide after the last training session who will be in the squad for the game."