Maaßen: “We’re fully focused”

Final game of the season at Mönchengladbach

The final game of the 2022/23 Bundesliga is here and FC Augsburg look to secure survival as they travel to take on Borussia Mönchengladbach.

“We’ll do everything we can to avoid relegation without relying on anything else,” said FCA head coach Enrico Maaßen ahead of the game. “We’re fully focused, but it’s also important that we are relaxed when approaching the game.” Due to their superior goal difference, a point in Gladbach would be enough to secure FCA’s Bundesliga status regardless of the results of VfB Stuttgart (vs. Hoffenheim) and VfL Bochum (vs. Leverkusen), who are playing at the same time.

On how he wants his team to go into the game, Maaßen says he wants his side to be “intense, brave and passionate, but also clever.” After the 3-0 defeat against Dortmund, where FCA were down to ten players for over half an hour, FCA players used the first two days of the week to work on recovery, increasing their intensity levels as the game gets closer and closer.

Vargas back in training

In addition to the suspended Felix Uduokhai, Fredrik Jensen and Iago will also miss the game, while Robert Gumny returns to availability after suspension. Ruben Vargas has completed parts of training after an ankle injury, but Mads Pedersen and Mergim Berisha picked up knocks in the game against Dortmund. “It’s important that we have eleven fit players on the pitch who are capable of playing intense football. Everyone knows the importance of the game.”

In Borussia Mönchengladbach (40 points), FCA (34 points) are coming up against a side who are sitting in mid-table security in 11th place. While Maaßen’s team picked up a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, the head coach is expecting a tough game this weekend against a side that is strong at home. “Gladbach won’t give us anything for free and they’ll give their all. A full and loud stadium will be waiting for us and that’s what we’re preparing for.”

The fans have adopted the motto “All in Red” for the final game of the season, with FCA expected to be supported by around 1,500 in Gladbach..