FC Augsburg

Elvis Rexhbecaj: “Honestly, we started the game well, but then conceded two disappointing goals. We knew that we could come back, we have already shown that again and again in the past. A set-piece situation then helped us get back in the game and after that we were very clinical in front of goal. Hats off to the team that we put in a performance like that here in Heidenheim, stayed calm and got our just rewards.”

“It’s been a hectic few days,” is how Jess Thorup described his first week as FCA head coach. The new boss has used this time in the best possible way, with the 53-year-old appearing pleased with the training level. “I got a very good impression of the team,” said the experienced Dane, who is focusing in particular on the players’ attitudes and mindsets. “I’ve tried to bring the players to where I want them to be as quickly as possible,” explains Thorup. For the game on Sunday, he demands above all “mentality, fight and commitment”.

FCA can count on the support of their fans from the first whistle. 2,000 supporters are following the team on the relatively short trip to Heidenheim. “I’m pleased that so many fans are coming with us to Heidenheim. That’s perfect and we need them,” said Thorup. The two teams face their first ever competitive encounter at the weekend, having only played friendlies up until now.

Beljo, who was back in training for FCA on Tuesday, came on as a half-time substitute in Croatia’s 2-1 loss to Wales. The runners-up in the 2018 World Cup have slipped to third place in Group D with two games left to play. Despite the loss, Beljo looked impressive in the 45 minutes he played and had two good chances to score (75’, 90+4’).

Before his coaching career, the 53-year-old enjoyed a successful period on the field. The central striker learnt his trade in the youth academy of Odense BK in southern Denmark. Thorup played at this club for six years, making his debut in the Danish top tier at the age of 19. Thorup marked his arrival into professional football by winning the Danish title in his debut season. Two more cup victories followed in the next few years (1991 and 1993). Thorup’s CV also includes a spell in Germany. He spent two seasons with KFC Uerdingen in the 2. Bundesliga, before he moved to Esbjerg fB in 1998 via a short time in Austria with FC Tirol Innsbruck. After a 16-year career, Thorup called time after a period with Norwegian club Ham-Kam.

After the 2-2 draw against VfL Bochum last weekend, FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen requested a friendly against second-division side Greuther Fürth during the break from competitive action. The fixture would also offer a reunion with a familiar face now playing for Greuther Fürth: Simon Asta, who came through the academy at FCA, has been under contract at the second-division side since 2020. Summer arrival Kevin Mbabu, who played at right-back, made his first appearance in FCA colours.

On Saturday evening, Ruben Vargas played 63 minutes as the Swiss national team visited Kosovo. Despite leading twice, his side had to settle for a draw after conceding an injury-time equaliser. Nevertheless, Switzerland remain undefeated at the top of Group I. On Tuesday (20:45 CEST), they host Andorra.

In order to function successfully with a new organisational structure and to assign responsibilities in the operative day-to-day business, the structures and responsibilities in the sporting side are to be reorganised. In order to ensure this, Stefan Reuter will move from his position as managing director into an advisory role at the club. In this position, he will be in regular contact with the sporting and business leadership of FC Augsburg and will support these.

Ruben Vargas and the rest of the Switzerland national team got back to winning ways following a rather disappointing 2-2 draw in Kosovo. The winger was substituted on during added time in Switzerland’s 3-0 victory over Andorra, as the “Nati” put themselves in prime position to qualify for EURO 2024. They currently sit top of Group I with 14 points from six games.

Germany U21s kicked off their EURO 2025 qualifying campaign with a win. Antonio Di Salvo’s team defeated Kosovo 3-0, with all three goals coming in the second half. FCA new arrival Tim Breithaupt kept things tight and organised in the middle of the park when he came on for the second 45.

Mert Kömür dazzled for Germany U19s in Spain. After scoring Germany’s winner against England (1-0), the 18-year-old attacker was on the scoresheet again in their 6-1 win over Switzerland. Kömür bagged the goal to make it 3-0 in the 20th minute, before coming off at half time.

Dion Beljo already has two goals to his name this season in the Bundesliga, and he added to his tally while on international duty with Croatia U21s. He put his nation 3-0 up in the 75th minute, as they started their qualifying campaign with a 4-2 win over the Faroe Islands.

“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.

Coach Enrico Maaßen made two changes to the team that drew 2-2 against VfL Bochum last time out. Kevin Mbabu, who appeared for the first time in the 2-1 friendly win over Greuther Fürth, was handed his competitive debut for the club. Summer signing Patric Pfeiffer also played his first Bundesliga game after serving his suspension. FCA switched to a back-three/five for this matchday 4 clash.