Thorup: “We want to win in Mainz”
Away game on Matchday 22
First Team
15.02.2024, 15:30
FC Augsburg travel to 17th placed Mainz on Matchday 22 (Saturday 17th February, 15:30 CET). During the week, the 05ers appointed a new head coach, who FCA head coach Jess Thorup already knows from his time as a player.
FC Augsburg are still unbeaten away from home this year following a victory away at Gladbach (2-1 win) and a draw in Bochum (1-1 draw). Jess Thorup is keen for his side to continue this run: “We’re on the right track and we want to win in Mainz. We’ve shown that we can be successful away from home and we approach every game with the goal of picking up three points.” The Fuggerstädter will be accompanied by around 1,300 travelling fans in Mainz.
A challenging set of home fixtures including games against league leaders Leverkusen (1-0 loss), Bayern München (3-2 loss) and RB Leipzig (2-2 draw) are behind FCA now. An opponent from the lower reaches of the table awaits in Mainz: “We need to be mentally aware that the game against Mainz will be very tough,” the 53-year-old emphasised. The 05ers parted ways with head coach Jan Siewert in the week following just one win from their last ten games. Mainz’s new head coach is no stranger to Thorup. “I know Bo Henriksen from when we did our coaching badges together in Denmark and I’ve been tracking his progress for a long time. I’m excited to see how he does in Mainz,” FCA’s head coach said.
Doubts over Jensen’s availability
FCA’s squad situation looks good for Saturday, and it may be only Dion Beljo, who “will likely return to the squad next week” according to Thorup, who misses the upcoming clash. Pep Biel should be back fit following muscle problems, whilst there are doubts over Fredrik Jensen’s availability (migraine), with the 26-year-old not having been able to complete all of this week’s training sessions. “We will whether he takes part in the final training session tomorrow,” Thorup explained.
Alongside Iago, who is set to make his 100th appearance for the Fuggerstädter, the main focus is on Ermedin Demirović. FCA’s captain, who scored a brace in his side’s 2-1 win in the return fixture, could draw level with former FCA players Michael Gregoritsch and Florian Niederlechner, who hold FCA’s record for the most Bundesliga goals in a season with 13. “Of course I’m crossing my fingers for Demi and I hope that he scores again for us on Saturday,” said Thorup, discussing his in-form captain.
