With the exception of the new additions Japhet Tanganga and Masaya Okugawa, Enrico Maaßen has everything he can draw on in the home game against Mainz. On the one hand, this gives the FC Augsburg coach options, but on the other hand, it is a tricky task.
Could initially take a seat on the bench against Mainz: Felix Uduokhai (left) and Niklas Dorsch.
Sven Michel and Tim Breithaupt, who were recently injured, should return to team training on Wednesday. Eleven-on-eleven was on the agenda for two 20-minute periods, a real endurance test before the home game against Mainz on Saturday (3:30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). Attacker Michel impressed in his first weeks in Augsburg, his return to the squad – probably as a joker – is a win. After only two points from the first four Bundesliga games, Augsburg are already under a bit of pressure. “The bottom line is that we don’t have enough points so far this season,” says former managing director Stefan Reuter, who now works in an advisory capacity.
Coach Maaßen is actually considered a fan of continuity in the line-up, but the points tally and the personnel offer him enough opportunity to make changes. Central defender Felix Uduokhai undoubtedly has potential, but he has made repeated mistakes recently and could therefore be rotated out of the team. Especially since long-time captain Jeff Gouweleeuw made a good impression after coming on as a substitute in Leipizg (0:3) and could help with his experience.
Like Uduokhai, Niklas Dorsch has also struggled with injuries over the past two years. The vice-captain could also get a creative break, especially since he and Elvis Rexhbecaj do not form an ideal double six, they are too similar as types. The alternative: Arne Engels next to Rexhbecaj.
FCA offensive has proven its suitability
Should Maaßen again rely on the three-man defense, he could rely on Iago on the left. On the right, new signing Kevin Mbabu recommended himself on his debut. Ruben Vargas on one of the two wings would be the more offensive choice. Midfielder Arne Maier, who has been in poor form for a long time, is currently behind, especially since the wings are no longer supposed to move in like they did last season, but rather stay on the line.
What will be much more important than system or tactics against Mainz will be to correct individual mistakes and not make it so easy for the opponent to score goals. The rest can be taken care of by the offensive, which has proven its worth with seven goals in four games.
2023-09-20 12:30:44
#Augsburg #Break #Felix #Uduokhai #Niklas #Dorsch
