Philipp Max: "Anticipations are high"

FC Augsburg have returned to Germany following their winter training camp in Alicante. The squad have now begun their preparations for the second half of the Bundesliga season. FCA return to action at home to Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday, 19th January (15:30 CET). Philipp Max, who missed the training camp with illness, has recovered and look forward to the match. The winter break has been full of mixed emotions for Philipp Max. During his fully deserved holiday in Dubai, the FCA left-back got engaged to his girlfriend. Then, shortly before the start of the training camp in Alicante, Max suffered an infection and had to miss the trip to Spain. Max is glad to have quickly recovered from illness. “I’m pleased to be back with the team. Eight days without football is painful! However, I feel good once again and am ready to return to full training.” Avoiding relegation is Max’s main aim Ahead of the second half of the season, Max has one target in his mind. “My primary aim is to help FC Augsburg avoid relegation. That is the most important thing for us to achieve. I will do everything I can to return to full fitness as soon as possible and get back on the pitch to help the team.” Fortuna Düsseldorf arrive in Augsburg on Saturday just one point ahead of FCA. Max knows the quality that their opponents possess. “Düsseldorf are a strong side and I have played with several of their players before. I know how eager they will be to win on Saturday. Their three victories to close the Hinrunde is a clear sign that Fortuna have the quality to play well in the Bundesliga. After the winter break, which was much longer than Philipp Max wanted it to be, the FCA full-back looks ahead to the first match of the Rückrunde. “Anticipations are high for Saturday. The aim is to take all three points against Düsseldorf. There are still sixteen matches to go following Saturday’s match. If we defeat Fortuna, we won’t be safe from relegation but also not down and out. We will give everything we have to secure Bundesliga safety.