Weinzierl: "We’ll try to frustrate them"
Pedersen tests positive ahead of Bayern game
First Team
08.04.2022, 15:05
FC Augsburg travel to take on FC Bayern on Saturday (15:30 CEST) for their third game in seven days. Head coach Markus Weinzierl is looking to build on two consecutive victories and wants to upset the record champions again after the win in the reverse fixture.
There was a sense of relief at full time after the 2-1 win over FSV Mainz on Wednesday. After back-to-back wins following the 3-0 victory against Wolfsburg three days earlier, FC Augsburg now sit six points clear of the relegation places.
“I found the team to be very concentrated and focused, but also a little tense between the two games,” said Markus Weinzierl. “It was a step in the right direction, but we haven’t achieved anything yet.” The head coach said that having full focus on the away trip to Munich was all that mattered now. “We’re not gifting anything. We’re big underdogs but we’ll try to frustrate them.”
For the trip to Munich, Weinzierl will be without the suspended Carlos Gruezo (five yellow cards) as well as Mads Pedersen, who tested positive for Coronavirus. Frederik Winther is also likely to miss out through illness. Seven-goal forward Michael Gregoritsch returned to training after recovering from his Coronavirus infection and could be available for Saturday.
Weinzierl: "We have to take their enjoyment away"
Saturday’s game falls directly in the middle of Bayern’s Champions League tie against Villareal. The record champions lost the first leg of their quarter final on Wednesday, with the second leg taking place on Tuesday. “For us, the timing of the game in between their two matches against Villareal is obviously a good thing,” said Weinzierl. “But we also know that Bayern have fantastic depth in their squad.”
Regardless of how the hosts will line up on Saturday, Weinzierl is expecting a challenge. “If they’re enjoying their play, it will be difficult. We have to take that enjoyment away.” FCA have already proved that it’s possible, defeating the heavy favourites 2-1 at home in the first half of the season.
