Day 5 in Marbella: Thanks to our friends

The FCA players were given the afternoon by Manuel Baum. The whole aim of the day was to regenerate after yesterday's game against Alkmaar, with the morning session dominated by technical and not overly taxing drills. Takashi Usami faced the press after lunch. This interview was particularly special though, as it was his first in German. Despite admitting at the start that his command of the language wasn't great, the Japan international coped well with the questioning. "When the coach uses the Bavarian dialect or speaks quickly, I struggle," he remarked, before adding that he feels at home in Augsburg, enjoys German food (especially Schnitzel) and that his daughter turned one on Christmas Eve. FC Augsburg would like to pass on thanks to Mainz 05, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Werder Bremen and the Würzburger Kickers. Between Friday and Saturday, FCA's storage locker was broken into and roughly 50 balls, as well as sets of boots and goalkeeper gloves were stolen. Manuel Baum and Co. initially improvised, but Mainz 05 and Borussia Mönchengladbach loaned some equipment. Bremen then provided further balls for the Alkmaar match. Kickers brought spare balls with them from Germany, with an FCA representative driving to Würzburg in order to give them the additional set to transport. Thanks to everyone involved for their understanding and friendship!