Baum: “We will play to our strengths against Gladbach”

After an unsuccessful Bundesliga opener against Hamburg, FC Augsburg welcome Borussia Mönchengladbach to the WWK Arena on Saturday 26th October (15:30 CEST). Head coach Manuel Baum gives his thoughts on various topics ahead of the first home game of the 2017/18 season: On the upcoming clash with Gladbach: “It will be a completely different game to the one in Hamburg. Gladbach are extremely good on the ball, whereas HSV place more of an emphasis on quick passing moves. Borussia will probably have more of the ball, so it’s important that we press them aggressively in order to counter-attack at the crucial moment. We’ve got to be ready to do this; that’s how we’ll come away with points.” On what needs to be done in attack: “We’re on the right track and we found success in the final third against Hamburg. The statistics show that we were the better side generally speaking, and now it’s down to us to play with even more impetus in the opposition’s penalty area. We’ve made it a big point of emphasis to focus on this in training this week.” On transfer rumours and the FCA squad: “We definitely have a side that is capable of playing in the Bundesliga, and they work with me very well. Moreover, we have numerous players who can fill in at several positions. This will help us to compensate for recent departures. In general, we don’t comment on transfer rumours; I work with the players that are currently at my disposal. From a coach’s perspective, it would make more sense if the transfer window shuts before the season starts and in an ideal world, there should be no more transfer activity allowed within two weeks of the beginning of the league season. On the international break:  “The break comes with positive and negative ramifications for us. Obviously we will work with all available players to the best of our ability throughout this time. On the opposite side of the spectrum, those players who are representing their respective national sides can take a lot from that experience. It’s invaluable and simply can’t be taken for granted.”