Thorup: "It will be anyone's game"

After three consecutive away games, FC Augsburg are set to open matchday 22 at the WWK Arena on Friday evening (20:30 CET). Jess Thorup’s side will host RB Leipzig as they look to take the momentum from their most recent matches with them into the clash.

Head coach Jess Thorup’s side is expecting his side to play with confidence. “This is one of the most important things in football,” he said. The Fuggerstädter are currently unbeaten in their last five Bundesliga games and could now equal their longest run without defeat under Thorup if they take points off Leipzig on Friday night.  

FCA are currently in third place in a table representing 2025, having conceded just three goals so far this year. “We have brought stability back into our defence, but want to continue to improve in attack,” Thorup shared. In addition to remaining compact in defence, FCA will also need to pose problems in attack if they hope to take points off RBL, who currently find themselves in fourth place. Thorup is also counting on the support of the fans at the WWK ARENA. “We’ve proven before that if we have that, then we’re capable of beating the top teams as well,” the Dane stated. 

For his part, the head coach is expecting a much different game to last weekend’s outing in Mainz. “Both team want to have the ball and the newly-laid pitch at the WWK ARENA will offer the perfect surface for that. I’m expecting it to be anyone’s game, which is what we’ve prepared ourselves for,” he said. 

Gouweleeuw and Jakić available again

Thorup has been able to welcome back a couple of players ahead of Friday’s clash. Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is available again after having returned from a back problem, and Kristijan Jakić is also fit again after being taken off with a knock in Mainz. Henri Koudossou could also return to the matchday squad following a muscular issue. Mads Pedersen remains sidelined with a ligament tear. Elvis Rexhbecaj, Steve Mounié, Chrislain Matsima and Keven Schlotterbeck have all recently returned from a bout with illness, but a decision is yet to be made on whether they will be able to play. “We’re taking it day-by-day,” Thorup shared. 

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