Wagner: “We’re determined to reach the next round”
DFB-Pokal home tie against Bochum
First Team
27.10.2025, 16:00
FC Augsburg host second-division side VfL Bochum on Tuesday evening (20:45 CEST) in the second round of the DFB-Pokal, with a clear goal in mind – reaching the last 16.
Head coach Sandro Wagner is looking forward to the floodlit fixture at the WWK ARENA: “The DFB-Pokal is a competition we really value. We’re determined to reach the next round,” he stated. Reflecting on the recent 6-0 defeat to Leipzig, Wagner admitted it “wasn’t a nice feeling,” but stressed that the team has already moved on. “We analyse every game together – not just as a coaching team, but as a group,” said the 37-year-old, describing the process as one that yields “a lot of valuable insights.”
While FCA won 2-0 away to Hallescher FC in the first round, Bochum had to go to extra time before eventually beating BFC Dynamo 3-1. The Bundesliga 2 side have also shown signs of improvement under new head coach Uwe Rösler, recording a 3-2 victory over Hertha BSC and a 1-1 draw in Kiel. “Bochum are a tough opponent. They’re a club full of tradition with a good squad that has a healthy mix of experience and youth,” warned Wagner.
Labrović to start in goal
With three matches in the space of a week, Wagner plans to rotate in several positions. “We’ve got good players in the squad who’ve earned the chance to play,” he explained. Among the changes, Nediljko Labrović will start in goal instead of Finn Dahmen. “That was something we agreed on with the goalkeepers and goalkeeping coach Marco Langner three or four weeks ago. Nedo has earned this game,” said Wagner. “Finn is still clearly our number one and will be back in goal on Friday against Dortmund.”
Meanwhile, Mert Kömür has recovered from illness and is available again, and captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is expected to return to training later in the week.
