Schmidt: “The points are only worth something if we can follow them up with a win”
First Team
30.10.2019, 11:38
After two respectable draws against Bayern (2-2) and Wolfsburg (0-0), FC Augsburg are now looking to kick on and pick up three points on matchday ten. Before the game against Schalke 04 on 3 November (18:00 CET), Schimdt spoke to us about…
… The game in Wolfsburg: “The game was a bit nervy on both sides, a cagey match. Wolfsburg also don’t always shine playing beautiful football, we accepted that, because we also had something to make up for. We looked nervous at the start, but we grew and produced a good team performance. We also had a few chances to counter at the end.”
… The return of captain Daniel Baier: “When he comes on, you can see all the good things he does for us. He helps with build-up play, tackles and regaining possession. He will continue with training this week and he will be 100% fit soon.”
… Balancing attack and defence: “We are one of the best teams defensively. When you focus on one approach, this normally dominates your thinking and other things go out of focus. We will be working on offence in training this week, because attack is the thing that can change a game. Defensive structure is very valuable if you are also creative going forward. I think we have found the balance now and have to be more precise in the offensive phase in order to get more from games.”
… Personnel: “23 players were training today. In order to manage their niggles, we took Daniel Baier, Ruben Vargas and Tin Jedvaj out of the session early. Fabian Giefer came back today, Marek Suchý also began training, but we want to reintroduce him slowly. Fredrik Jensen was only running today, we are still waiting for an exact diagnosis.”
… The coming match against Schalke 04: “Schalke’s squad has stayed whole, they have started with a slightly different approach. You can see what is possible when you are in a good place. Yesterday in the Pokal, they also showed that they can win tight games. We are faced with an opponent that is well stocked out wide and has played well until now. We are preparing for a very intense match, because the two draws are only worth something if we can follow them up with a win.”
