Thorup: "Need to improve in attack"
Away in Berlin
First Team
14.01.2025, 14:30
FC Augsburg will end the first half of the season away at 1. FC Union Berlin on Wednesday evening (20:30 CET), with the visitors in search of their first away win of the season.
Union are currently in 12th place with 17 points, just ahead of FCA in 13th with 16 points. "We're still frustrated about the defeat against Stuttgart," said head coach Jess Thorup. Following the 1-0 defeat against VfB, the Dane praised his side for their defensive performance, but was unhappy with their lack of success in attack. "We need to take the next step and improve in attack," said Thorup, who is looking for his side to be more precise with their final passes.
Union Berlin have a new head coach on the touchlines, with Steffen Baumgart having taken up the position in early January. The Berliners suffered a 2-0 defeat on his debut, although they were reduced to 10 men for much of the match. Thorup is expecting an "intense game" and knows that the Berliners are tough to beat at home. Around 700 fans will make the trip from Augsburg to support their side.
Bauer out with a concussion
FCA will be without several players for their trip to Berlin. Keven Schlotterbeck, Yusuf Kabadayi, Masaya Okugawa and Mads Pedersen are all unavailable. Maximilian Bauer, who was taken off in the first half against Stuttgart, will also not be able to play after having been diagnosed with a concussion.
Marius Wolf has been able to return to team training following a bout with illness. New signing Cédric Zesiger, who joined on loan from VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday, will be part of the squad for the first time. "He knows the Bundesliga and is an experienced player," Thorup said about the 26-year-old centre-back, who could start in Berlin already.
