Bundesliga News

The morning started with a short running session for three groups of players under a cloudy sky in Spain. The remaining players were biking inside the hotel. Arne Maier, who celebrated his 24th birthday today, was also serenaded by his teammates at lunch.

Head coach Enrico Maaßen’s side will return to Bundesliga action away at Borussia Dortmund on 22nd January (15:30 CET). In a final test before the league resumes, FCA will play a doubleheader of friendlies at home against fellow top-tier side VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, 14th January (13:00 CET & 15:00 CET). Both matches will be 90 minutes.

In the huddle prior to training, the FCA players were first informed that Raphael Framberger had already left the training camp to complete a loan-move to another team. The 27-year-old, who joined Augsburg as an eight-year-old in 2004, made a video message for the fans.

The 22-year-old, who was born in the Bavarian town of Vilshofen, came to FC Augsburg from SpVgg Greuther Fürth in the summer. He was relegated from the Bundesliga with his former side in their first season. Bauer has made staying in the top division with FCA his top priority, although the six-time U21 international said: “You can’t compare the two clubs as Augsburg have been playing in the Bundesliga for over eleven years.”

“The decision to leave FCA, even if only temporarily, was definitely not an easy one for me. But, I would now like to once again experience a period where I am on the pitch regularly and getting a lot of playing experience. So, I asked those responsible to allow me this opportunity and I am unbelievably thankful that this has all happened so quickly and  uncomplicatedly,” said Raphael Framberger. “Not wearing an FCA shirt will definitely be a change for me at first, but I am looking forward to the new experience and I am certain that the loan will do me good from a sporting perspective.”

The players returned to the WWK ARENA at around 20:30 CET on Thursday evening. It was a very productive trip to Spain with plenty of sessions in the weights room, lots of hard work on the pitch and solid match practice in three friendlies. Enrico Maaßen’s side played twice against Bundesliga rivals Union Berlin (0-1,1-4) and once against Hungarian side Ferencváros (0-2). Most of the 34 players who travelled to Spain were able to get some valuable game time under their belts. The players were also able to enjoy some downtime in Algorfa with some opting for a round of golf and some heading for the beach in Alicante.

“It was very impressive how those responsible at FCA sold the club to me. They showed me the aims and prospects for the club, which I can fully identify with. As a result, I am very happy about the move. The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe and it is very appealing to me to prove myself at this level. I would like to help the team with goals and assists as well as my attitude, so that we can be successful as a team,” said Dion Beljo of his decision to sign for FCA.

“FC Augsburg is a great opportunity for me. The very positive discussions with the club convinced me that this is the right step in my career, so I’m pleased that the transfer is over the line. I want to get to know my teammates as quickly as possible and get settled into the team,” said Colina.

A number of academy players were involved in the first of two matches to take place at the training pitches at the WWK-ARENA. David Colina also started the game following the announcement of his arrival from HNK Hajduk Split in the morning.

FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen was without four players: Mads Pedersen and Julian Baumgartlinger missed out with illness, whilst Reece Oxford and Niklas Dorsch are still regaining fitness. Up front with Mergim Berisha was new signing Dion Beljo – the 1.95m striker featured from the start.