Thorup: "Looking to put things right"
At home against Holstein Kiel
First Team
02.05.2025, 14:30
FC Augsburg are set to host Holstein Kiel at the WWK Arena for their penultimate home fixture of the season on Sunday (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The visitors from the north are fighting for Bundesliga survival but FCA will be aiming to set the record straight after a resounding 5-1 defeat the last time the sides met.
“The reverse fixture is certainly on our minds and we are looking to put things right,” declared FCA head coach Jess Thorup. His team have now only suffered defeats against FC Bayern and in Leverkusen following the midway mark of the campaign, performing impressively since that point. “The task now is to build on those positive displays in order to provide an enjoyable afternoon for our home fans.”
Nevertheless, Thorup is in no way underestimating his side’s next opponent: “Kiel are battling to avoid the drop. It will be an open but close-fought contest and neither team is going to settle for a draw.” The Storks currently sit second-bottom in the standings, three points adrift of the relegation play-off spot. However, the hosts will have to be aware of Holstein’s attacking threat on the road, remaining the only side to have netted in each of their away fixtures this season. They impressively staked their claim for top-flight football again next season as they saw off Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-3 at home last time out.
Maier returns following suspension
Noahkai Banks, Mahmüt Kücüksahin and Mergim Berisha all remain unavailable to FCA. Each of three is making good progress on the road to recovery; however the weekend’s fixture arrives too soon for their inclusions. On the other hand, Arne Maier will return to the squad after serving a two-match suspension.
There is further positive news in the way of events off the pitch. After Daniel Klein signed a new deal, regular first-choice goalkeeper Finn Dahmen has also seen his contract with the club extended. The shot stopper has been one of the standout players in the latter half of the campaign, conceding just nine goals to date.
Ahead of the final three fixtures, Thorup reported: “My full focus lies on the game on Sunday and on finishing the season as strongly as possible.”
