With the match against the Bavarian Swabians, VfB begins the football year with four consecutive weeks of intense fixtures. FCA fan Marco gives us insights into their next league and cup opponents.
With the Red Stripe: Hello Marco, thank you for taking the time for us. To start off: How do you evaluate FCA’s season so far? Are you satisfied overall?
Marco: Hello everyone, thank you for having me! I’d rate the season as a 4‑, since we’re a bit below expectations. In my opinion, the team is playing below its potential, which is why I’m not satisfied with the progress or the development.
Recently, FCA lost three matches in a row, including a clear defeat against relegation candidate Kiel. What went wrong?
We play in a 3–5‑2 formation, with eight outfield players who hardly contribute offensively and are more defensively oriented. Essentially, it’s no surprise that we struggle to create offensive highlights. On top of that, simple defensive errors keep creeping in, and Kiel especially was able to capitalize on those.
Where do you see FC Augsburg at the end of the season?
I firmly believe Thorup will be dismissed in the coming weeks, and I hope we’ll finish in a secure mid-table position.
Winter break means transfer period: Have there been any significant departures or arrivals in Augsburg, or will the squad remain as is?
Ruben Vargas has moved to FC Sevilla. Last season, this would have been a big loss, but since he was injured this season and wasn’t planning to renew his contract anyway, it’s not a severe blow. As for arrivals, there will be some movement, but not until the end of the transfer window. Lotka, Castrop, and Kojzek are some of the names we’ve been inquiring about.
Demirovic, last season’s top scorer, is returning to the WWK Arena. How do you think he will be received?
He was given a warm send-off in October. We owe a lot to Demi, and I believe the fans will always keep that in mind.
In Stuttgart, the Bosnian national player Serhou Guirassy was meant to be replaced by Demirovic. Unfortunately, he hasn’t met the expectations of some VfB fans. Do you think he will prove himself in the second half of the season?
I think that’s where the mistake lies. Demirovic shouldn’t be compared to Serhou Guirassy. In my opinion, they’re completely different types of players. Demi prefers to play as a supporting striker, focusing more on passing than shooting, which makes him valuable for creating chances. And eight goal contributions in 15 games are perfectly fine, even if you can’t judge solely on stats.
The two Swabian clubs will face each other again in early February in the DFB-Pokal. How did people react to the cup draw?
With mixed feelings. On the one hand, we avoided Leverkusen or Leipzig, but on the other, we got another favorite and it’s an away match, which doesn’t make it any easier. But anything is possible in the cup, even if I see us as having little chance.
Who is your FCA player of the season so far?
It’s always hard to say. Alexis Claude-Maurice has certainly been a great help to us and is extremely important. But players like Phillip Tietz and Keven Schlotterbeck are, in my opinion, also vital constants — both on and off the pitch.
How would you describe your style of play? What are the strengths and weaknesses?
A defensively oriented playing style combined with long balls in build-up play. With this approach, we don’t really have any strengths; offensively, we lack a plan, and despite the defensive setup, we have significant deficiencies in positioning, especially with crosses. Set pieces aren’t our strong suit either. Overall, it’s pretty frustrating at the moment.
Lastly, your prediction for the match?
At the moment — despite it being a home game — I have little hope and predict a 3–1 win for VfB.
Thank you very much!
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Carsten Harz/Getty Images