Thorup: “Use our momentum”
Home game against Heidenheim
First Team
23.01.2025, 15:07
On Matchday 19 of the Bundesliga, FC Augsburg host 1. FC Heidenheim at the WWK ARENA as they look to record a third successive victory. Head coach Jess Thorup is pleased with his team’s development over the past few weeks, but is calling for even higher performance levels.
FCA are aiming to continue their winning run. After wins on the road in both Berlin and Bremen, Thorup was pleased with how a busy week turned out. “We’ve taken some important steps forward with those last two victories. It’s especially good that we kept a clean sheet in both games.” The Fuggerstädter will go into the home match against Heidenheim brimming with confidence. Thorup added: “We’ve improved in attack, done the basics right on the pitch and deserved to win.”
Full focus on Heidenheim
The Dane is however very aware that his team will need a focused and energetic performance at a likely sold-out WWK ARENA in order to overcome head coach Frank Schmidt’s side. “We want to use our momentum. All of the players are in a good frame of mind and looking forward to the match on Saturday,” said Thorup.
1. FC Heidenheim are playing in European competition this season for the first time ever. Although they currently sit 16th in the table, Thorup believes that the visitors still possess a lot of quality. The reverse fixture ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat for FCA, and Augsburg will be desperate to banish memories of that result this weekend.
Zesiger suspended but three return
While Cedric Zesiger will miss out with suspension after picking up five yellow cards, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will be available despite undergoing hand surgery. Keven Schlotterbeck, Robert Gumny and Mads Pedersen were all involved in full team training and are ready to play. Yusuf Kabadayi is still missing with a meniscus injury.
