Bauer: “We’re fit and well prepared”

FCA’s centre-back is looking forward to the restart to the season

14 of the 15 league games played in – 12 of which he started. From Maximilian Bauer’s point of view, the first six months in a FCA kit have been very successful. After an intensive training camp in Algora, the defender is hoping that there will be plenty more minutes on the pitch in 2023.

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.”

Bauer used the free period in November and December well. “It was a bit unnatural as normally we play right up until Christmas,” said the centre-back, who in addition to a one-week holiday also visited his family. However, he is now already looking forward to the Bundesliga restarting: “We’re fit and well prepared. In Dortmund, Gladbach and Freiburg, we have three opponents waiting who are right at the top of the table, but we want to take a few points with us.”

In the friendly against Ferencváros, Bauer wants to stake his claim for a regular starting spot heading into the second half of the season, given that the return of Felix Uduokhai and the continued injury to Reece Oxford has made the centre-back position more and more competitive. “We are well stocked in that position,” explained the 22-year-old before adding that “competition never hurts in football.”