Manuel Baum: “It’ll be a tough test”

FC Augsburg are in the midst of their preparations for the upcoming clash with Bayer 04 Leverkusen this Saturday (31st March, 15:30 CEST). Ahead of the game, head coach Manuel Baum let the first team compete against each other in a practice game. Baum spoke after the session about... ... the squad: “Caiuby and Alfred Finnbogason didn’t take part in the game situations today, but Alfred was feeling great again nevertheless. Caiuby will be with us again tomorrow and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is able to take a full part too. Marwin Hitz is back with us after the international break and will be in training tomorrow also. Marco Richter had a session with the team doctor yesterday and his groin injury has clearly got better. It’s possible that he’ll be able to return to training again this week.” ... upcoming opponents Bayer Leverkusen: “We’re going to Leverkusen with the intention of coming back with points. We are well aware that they’re one of the best teams of the league, though. It’ll be a tough test, but we’ll do everything we can to rise to the challenge. Leverkusen are a very technically gifted side and have a good mixture of youth and experience in their squad.” ... the curse of starting the season well: “The players, the coaching staff and everyone involved with the first team only have to remember where we started and what our expectations were heading into the season. It’s difficult when said expectations are raised due to performing well, but it’s still all about dealing with new situations and the challenges that are presented with that. We’re always working on getting better and that doesn’t just mean on the pitch, but off it too. We want to learn as much as possible and take that into next season.” ... the goals for this season: “The ultimate aim remains staying in the top flight. But we also have other things we want to achieve and aren’t letting ourselves be dictated by what the standings say. We want to keep improving. We’re keeping an eye on individual players and how they’re coming along themselves and also and fitting in with our development as a team. There are performance related goals, such as pressing more effectively or being more varied in attack as the season goes on, but there are also goals like adapting to injuries that we pick up along the way.”