After the tight 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg last time out, it is important for FC Augsburg to get some more points on the board. Although Sunday´s visitors are second-placed Borussia Dortmund, head coach Markus Weinzierl is still confident that his side can get a positive result at the sold-out WWK ARENA.

Coach Markus Weinzierl will return to the sidelines this weekend after missing last week’s encounter following a positive COVID test. “I’m doing well so far, I had some mild symptoms but I’m on the right path,” reassured Weinzierl. The coach is looking forward to returning the dugout this Sunday for a “great game on our own patch.”

However, Weinzierl will not have a full squad of players to choose from for Sunday’s clash. Striker Andi Zeqiri is self-isolating after a positive COVID test at the start of the week and Alfred Finnbogason picked up an adductor injury in training and is out for the foreseeable future. Frederik Winther can return to training after a negative COVID test and Arne Maier is back to fitness after having been back in training with the squad for quite some time.

Weinzierl: “We are looking forwards, not backwards”

Weinzierl was less than happy after the defeat to Freiburg. “Of course getting the three points was the plan. We absolutely wanted to win the game but we didn’t manage to do so,” said the coach. The biggest problems in his opinion lie at the back. “We are conceding far too many goals, are too naïve in our own penalty area and not solid enough.” Despite this, he remains optimistic about the future: “We are looking forwards, not backwards. We believe that we can fix the things that are under our control.”

“We have been involved in some tight games and it can come down to the fine margins but the team has also proved that they can put in good performances,” explained Weinzierl. He continued: “Our destiny is still in our own hands. We still have to play the teams around us and that’s where it will be decided. I am one hundred per cent sure that we will perform in those games.

Weinzierl: “It would be better for us if Haaland isn’t in the squad”

Of course, Weinzierl is still aware of the quality of opponent that awaits Augsburg on Sunday. “We know what sort of individual quality BVB have in their ranks. They have in Haaland an absolute match winner, they have very quick forward players and are especially strong on the counter-attack.” The main task, according to Weinzierl, will be to suppress the individual quality of BVB and defend effectively in the penalty area.

BVB’s injury situation has not yet been fully clarified with players such as Marco Reus and Erling Haaland potentially having to miss out. Weinzierl also has a small hope: “For us it would be better if Haaland can’t play on Sunday.”

An energetic and lively performance will be the key to success on Sunday: “It important that over the 90 minutes we play with courage and start with a high-tempo. That has to be the objective in every game we play.” 

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