In the last away game of the season, VfB wants to start the 33rd matchday with a win in Augsburg. We spoke with Irina Fuchs, author of the book “Aus der Rosenau bis nach Europa”, which will be released by Arete Verlag in May, and blogger at the Rosenau Gazette, about what awaits us there.
With the Red Stripe: Hello Irina and thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Two matchdays before the end of the season, FC Augsburg has long since secured their league status and is eyeing Europe. Did you think that was possible after the dismissal of Enrico Maassen in autumn?
Irina: I actually didn’t think we could secure league status so early — especially after the nerve-wracking last season and the first games under Enrico “Enno” Maaßen. At that time, hardly anyone could assess the new coach Jess Thorup and estimate how quickly he would acclimatize to the Bundesliga. But as a fan, I am of course very happy about the heart-friendly way of securing league status!
Under Jess Thorup, who was once rumored to be with VfB, the team freed itself from the relegation battle. How did he manage that and what characterizes his style of football?
First, he worked on the mindset of the team and strengthened the team spirit of each individual. Confidence was naturally blown away after the blatant last season and the beginning of this season, and that’s where Jess intervened. As a person, he stands out for being very clear and calling things by their names.
Jess Thorup then adjusted the team’s structure and brought back the back four; Enno Maaßen often experimented with the back three as a formation. Thorup stands for a more confident and offensive style of play, for example, he “revived” two players who either barely played or did not shine under Enno: Freddy Jensen and Phillip Tietz.
Recently, FCA has only won one out of six games. What was the reason for this, and do you still believe you can finish in 7th place?
On the one hand, Jess Thorup suddenly brought back the back three from the dusty archives, which had actually been discarded since Maaßen. The back three has never really worked for FCA in recent years. In addition, there were occasional personnel shortages, for example, the entire full-back line was out at times. I can only speculate, but since securing league status, it seems as if some players are already mentally satisfied and thinking about the summer break. This already affects performance, and perhaps they don’t go the extra mile anymore. Furthermore, the team recently quickly got infected by the mistakes of individuals, leading to a kind of downward spiral.
Personally, I don’t believe we will jump to 7th place anymore. We simply have one of the toughest remaining schedules with Stuttgart now and Leverkusen next week. Moreover, the current form doesn’t speak for FCA either.
Ermedin Demirovic is by far Augsburg’s best goal scorer. What else sets him apart, and which other player should we watch out for?
Ermedin, mostly called Demi, is, as captain, of course, an important figure and has a great standing within the team. He not only scores goals himself but also sets up his teammates and puts himself at the service of the team through his running ability and mentality. Due to the understanding with Tietz and also Ruben Vargas, the FCA’s offense has been really excellent this season, which was rarely seen in previous years.
With securing league status, FCA can already plan for the new Bundesliga season. Where do you see potential for improvement in the squad, and what is financially feasible in the summer?
Depending on how the final position in the table looks, the squad will need to be adjusted. If participation in European competition is achieved, then the construction of the squad will, of course, be different from the current situation. Fundamentally, the question will have to be asked about how to proceed in the goalkeeper position. Tomas Koubek probably won’t want to remain the eternal number two, Finn Dahmen is injured and has often had ups and downs in his goalkeeper game. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is the leader of the defense and will probably leave, I can also imagine this for Pfeiffer and Uduokhai. Iago’s departure to Brazil has been confirmed for a while, so there is also a need for action in the full-back position. In the offensive department, Vargas and Demirovic may leave the club if suitable offers come in. It could therefore be a hot transfer summer for FCA. Possible millions in revenue from Demirovic’s departure could be used profitably.
Who will be missing for you on Friday evening?
Finn Dahmen, the starting goalkeeper, underwent surgery this week and will be out for the rest of the season. In addition, full-back Iago is doubtful; after weeks of absence, he only recently returned to training. Jess Thorup hopes he can at least make it into the matchday squad. Otherwise, the (long-term) injured Gumny, Framberger, Oxford, Rexbecaj, and Jensen will be absent.
And what’s your prediction for the lineup and result?
Lineup:
Koubek — Mbabu, Jeff, Udo, Iago (?) — Engels, Jakic — Maier, Tietz, Vargas — Demirovic
I predict a 2–1 win for VfB Stuttgart and a good, fair game!
Picture: © ALEXANDRA BEIER/AFP via Getty Images