At least the result was right in FC Augsburg’s 2-0 home win against Union Berlin. Coach Jess Thorup still saw room for improvement – and gave special praise.
Satisfied, at least with the result: FCA trainer Jens Thorup. picture alliance / SvenSimon
“The most important thing in football is the result,” said Augsburg coach Jess Thorup in an interview DAZN with a smile. Because the result of his FCA was undoubtedly fitting: the Fuggerstadt team beat Union Berlin 2-0 and collected the next three points in the fight for seventh place, which was a Leverkusen triumph in the DFB Cup for participation in the Europa Conference League justified. “We’ll take that with us,” said the Dane.
It was also clear to the 54-year-old coach that Augsburg’s performance was not up to a possible European adventure: “If you look at over 90 minutes, then we can clearly play better football,” admitted Thorup, “the game wasn’t so good.” At least the coach was pleased with the efficiency of his players – he had lacked it in the 3-1 defeat in Hoffenheim the previous week.
Tietz is happy about “hits out of nowhere”
Goalscorer Philip Tietz also agreed with his coach’s view: “It wasn’t a nice game, not from either side.” The game was “defensively stressful,” said the striker. The decisive factor in the Fuggerstadt team’s favor was hair-raising mistakes by the Iron Men: Before the 1-0 lead, Diogo Leite played the ball into the feet of Tietz on the edge of the penalty area without any need, Sven Michel’s 2-0 was initiated by a sloppy bad pass from Alex Kral.
“He just made a mistake, in a situation like that you have to stop him,” said Tietz, looking soberly at his opening goal. The 1-0 score was certainly a happy one, “but I accept that with gratitude,” said the 26-year-old. His “goal out of nowhere” ultimately played into the Swabians’ hands, as Union had to open up afterwards.
Breithaupt shines in his first 90-minute appearance
The defensive nature of the game was particularly beneficial for Tim Breithaupt. It was the first Bundesliga appearance over 90 minutes for the summer newcomer, who had a difficult time under Thorup for a long time. “I’m really happy to have played from the start today,” said Breithaupt. He “left his heart on the pitch” and tried to help the team.
And that was a success: The six-man shone with a mileage of over twelve kilometers (best value at FCA) and several important ball wins. His coach was then full of praise: “That was great of Breithaupt. The way he has prepared himself in the last few weeks and months for the opportunity he has now is unbelievable.”
A duel with table neighbors Frankfurt awaits
Overall, Thorup could still be satisfied with the evening: “There is nothing better for a coach than getting a win on Friday evening and then watching the other teams on the weekend” – a gentle jibe at the competitors from Hoffenheim and Freiburg. But next Friday we will play against Eintracht Frankfurt (8.30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker), who are sixth in the table. FCA could then move closer to its neighbors in the table with a win in a direct duel and would even have a chance of a Europa League starting place.
However, the Augsburg team didn’t want to think about that yet; they still think from week to week. Or as Breithaupt put it: “Today we won to zero at home. Now we move on: next week in Frankfurt!”
2024-04-12 22:07:42
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