Maaßen: “We need to work well as a collective”

Away at Leipzig on the fourth matchday

The first international break of the season has come and gone, with FC Augsburg taking on RB Leipzig away from home on Saturday (15:30 CEST). FCA want to pull off a shock there by uniting together.

“We have used the time meaningfully and have trained with great intensity to make sure that we keep our rhythm,” said head coach Enrico Maaßen ahead of the game on the fourth matchday. Leipzig, who are currently fourth in the league, lie in wait for Augsburg, having recently celebrated two big victories against Stuttgart (5-1) and away at Union Berlin (3-0). FCA had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Bochum before the international break and are currently 12th in the league.

On paper, RB Leipzig are clear favourites ahead of the clash, although Maaßen is hopeful of getting something in his side’s second away game of the season. “We need to put in a good performance on the pitch and if we can manage that, then we’ll have a chance of coming away with something in Leipzig”, explained the 39-year-old, who describes RBL as a “team with lots of individual quality”. Therefore, it’s important “to work well as a collective and to opt for a brave approach,” Maaßen went on to say.

Pfeiffer available to play again

Aside from Japhet Tanganga, Sven Michel, Masaya Okugawa and long-term absentee Raphael Framberger, FCA’s head coach has his entire squad available. Right-back Kevin Mbabu could make his debut for the Fuggerstädter after appearing in the friendly against SpVgg Greuther Fürth (2-1). Patric Pfeiffer (after his ban) and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (after his injury) are also set to return.

Whilst Maaßen can consequently choose from various options and has already announced changes, his opposite number Marco Rose will have to do without attacking player Dani Olmo and captain Willi Orban (both have knee injuries). “We know that we have already put in very good performances against very good sides. Our goal is to be bold and assert ourselves in the game,” commented Maaßen, outlining the plan for Saturday.