Thorup: “Full focus on the task at hand”

Away in Leipzig on matchday five

FC Augsburg visit RasenBallsport Leipzig on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CEST). After the defeat in Mainz, head coach Jess Thorup focused primarily on his team’s defence, but nevertheless did not forget to mention their valiant attacking efforts.

Thorup already held a number of team talks on Saturday and at the start of the week in which he hoped to fine tune some defensive frailties. After the first four games of the season, the tally already stands at ten goals conceded. However, he emphasised that not only the defence bears responsibility in this regard. “We need to defend better as a team, and have worked intensely on that over the past couple days,” explained Thorup, adding, “The Mainz game is done and in the past. We now require full focus on the task at hand.” The main positive that the Danish coach took from that game was the number of scoring opportunities that his team created. “That was pleasing to see,” reflected Thorup.

Heading to Leipzig with confidence

“Leipzig possess a squad full of quality. We know what awaits us,” said Thorup ahead of the trip to face RBL, who have begun their Bundesliga season with two wins and two draws. Regardless, Thorup has urged his team to play with confidence and to believe in themselves. “We need to play with confidence on Saturday. Do that and you have a chance against any opponent.”

Essende suspended

After being sent off in Mainz, Samuel Essende will be unavailable until after the international break. Phillip Tietz and Steve Mounié are both ready to play, although Thorup has not ruled out a change to the usual system. While Robert Gumny and Daniel Klein remain on the list of players injured long-term, there is some good news. Mads Pedersen recently picked up a knock but returned to team training this week.