A new training week begins with international absentees

After Saturday’s 3-1 home victory against Hannover 96, FC Augsburg have begun a new week of training in the international break. Seven FCA players have left Augsburg to represent their respective countries while the rest of the squad focus on individual training. FCA head coach Manuel Baum has allowed his side to make a relaxed start to a new week of training following the victory against Hannover. Having fun has been the main focus as the team look to build on the momentum built in recent weeks. “We have started the week in a more relaxed manner with a football tennis tournament. Ball control is vital to do well in that game.” Alongside the absentees on international duty, Philipp Max and Rani Khedira also didn’t train on Tuesday. Max suffered a knock during the Hannover match and has been told to rest. Meanwhile, Khedira’s workload is currently being monitored to ensure he doesn’t over work. Michael Gregoritsch has also withdrawn from the Austria with illness suffered in training. This is what kept the attacker out of the Hannover victory. Rest days for Koo Ja-Cheol Koo will also not train with the squad this week. Since the start of the season, the 30 year-old has been in the squad constantly until he was called up to the South Korea squad for the Asia Cup. The midfielder joined the team after the match against Wolfsburg in December. “It will do him a lot of good to use this week as a rest week. He has received an individual training plan instead,” said head coach Baum. “He has to return to Augsburg for training on Monday but it is likely he will be back on Friday. This shows his great character.” FCA return to action a week on Saturday after the international breaks draws to a close. Augsburg will travel to fellow Bavarian side 1. FC Nürnberg on Saturday, 30th March (15:30 CET).