Thorup: “Expecting a really tough game”

FCA travel to take on Heidenheim

FC Augsburg will travel to Heidenheim this weekend for their first away day of the season. FCA’s clash against the UEFA Conference League qualifiers will kick off at 15:30 CEST on Sunday afternoon.

While the higher-ups were working frantically behind the scenes on deadline day, FCA head coach Jess Thorup turned his attention towards the upcoming challenge. “I’ve got a lot of respect for what Heidenheim have achieved,” emphasised the 54-year-old, who was in attendance for FCH’s 3-2 win against BK Häcken in the Voith-Arena. Thorup has fond memories of the stadium, since it’s where he celebrated the perfect start to his tenure as FCA head coach last season with a thumping 5-2 victory.

“It was a good start for me and the team,” explained the Dane, looking back on his successful debut. The head coach was a little disappointed following the 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen and the decision not to award a penalty to his side for a handball, but the match against Heidenheim represents an opportunity to pick up three points for the first time this season. Thorup also praised the “fierce competition for places” within the team at the moment.

Dahmen back in team training

The competition for places may get even more intense given that Thorup has almost a full squad at his disposal. Only Robert Gumny, who is still rehabilitating from an injury, is unavailable. Finn Dahmen completed parts of team training this week and, if everything goes to plan, Kristijan Jakić is likely to fully participate in the final training session before the trip to Heidenheim.

Thorup is expecting “a really tough game” against Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim side. FCH pride themselves on big challenges and effective counterattacks. FCA’s head coach explained that, despite losing some big names, Sunday’s opponents have brought in some “technically gifted players”. Over 2,000 Augsburg fans are expected to accompany Thorup and his side to Heidenheim, with the away end being sold-out.