Weinzierl: “We need to work as a team”
FCA will give 100% against Bayern
First Team
21.05.2021, 12:22
FC Augsburg will take on FC Bayern on the final matchday of this season on Saturday (22nd May, 15:30 CEST). Although FCA have already secured their place in the Bundesliga again for next year, Markus Weinzierl wants his side to give their all one last time. Despite the obvious qualities Bayern possess, the coach still believes his team can pick something up from the game in Munich.
“I would like to pay the team a big compliment for the way they have played in the last few games,” summed up Markus Weinzierl. FCA preserved their Bundesliga status on matchday 33 with a 2-0 win at home to SV Werder Bremen. “The situation is very relaxed now,” said Weinzierl. “Avoiding relegation is a huge relief and being free of that danger is great for us.” The head coach dedicated the victory and safety to the fans: “They were sensational on Saturday. We benefited from that and they gave us the extra strength to secure survival.”
Weinzierl’s full focus is now on the game against the champions. “Despite recent events, we now have to try and match the best team in the Bundesliga. We have a lot of respect for Bayern. We know it will be a real test and how hard it will be. We will have to work as a team,” demanded the 46-year-old.
Tactically there is plenty to ponder, but one thing is certain for Weinzierl. FCA will look to stifle Robert Lewandowski by man marking him. After equalling Gerd Müller’s all-time record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga campaign last time out, the Pole will be hoping to break the record against Augsburg. “We will man mark Lewandowski to try and protect Müller’s record. Gerd Müller was my biggest idol as a child and I have so much respect for him. I therefore would like the record to be shared still. My team and I will do everything we can.”
Weinzierl: “Important we end the season well”
Overall, Weinzierl is confident FCA can be successful against Bayern, having last beaten them in 2015 (1-0). “We know they have so much quality, but it’s important that we end the season well. We want to pick up points and win the game. It will be a huge challenge and I hope we can live up to it.” Iago (knee) and Ruben Vargas (banned) will not feature against FCB. Otherwise, everyone else is available. “We will put out our best possible side for the final game and one that is equipped to face this opponent,” said Weinzierl.
250 fans are permitted to attend the season finale in Munich, which is a good thing according to Weinzierl. “Football lives off playing in front of fans. I really hope that we will have a little bit of normality back next season.”
