Wagner: “We need to work our way back into form”
FCA prepare to host BVB
First Team
30.10.2025, 16:00
FC Augsburg kick off matchday 9 on Friday night (20:30 CEST) when Borussia Dortmund visit a sold-out WWK ARENA – the third home game in just six days.
After defeats to Leipzig in the league and Bochum in the DFB-Pokal, the Fuggerstädter are determined to get back on track. Head coach Sandro Wagner stressed the importance of graft and togetherness: “We need to work our way back into form.” Looking ahead to Dortmund, currently fourth in the Bundesliga and fresh from a Pokal win in Frankfurt, Wagner described the challenge as “a massive test”. He highlighted BVB’s “dangerous mix of free-spirited players and real physical power.
With three matches inside six days, recovery and preparation time has been limited – but used intensively, particularly for analysis. “Of course we need to make changes,” Wagner noted. “We’ve conceded too many goals and lost the momentum we built up against Wolfsburg and Köln.” The clear aim is to rediscover that rhythm in a game where, as Wagner put it, “nobody expects anything from us.”
Matsima doubtful – Dahmen set to return
There remains a question mark over Chrislain Matsima, who came off late on against Bochum, although scans revealed no structural damage. Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is still sidelined, but the rest of the squad is available. First-choice goalkeeper Finn Dahmen will return in goal.
