Thorup: “It’s a big game”

Away at Bochum for matchday 20

It’s a clash between thirteenth and fourteenth on matchday 20 of the Bundesliga, as FC Augsburg travel to Bochum. Head coach Jess Thorup explained to journalists that he is expecting it to be a hard-fought affair with a great atmosphere in Thursday’s press conference.

Thorup expressed his satisfaction with the recent improvement in his side’s performances, even despite the narrow 3-2 loss against FC Bayern last weekend. “I’m very pleased with the way the team has performed in the first three games after the winter break. We want to take this confidence into the match against Bochum. It’s a big game,” said the Dane, who wants to see his side get their second away win of the season at the weekend. In their last match on the road, FCA ran out as 2-1 winners against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Just one point separates the two sides in the Bundesliga standings, with Augsburg sitting in 13th (21 points) and VfL currently occupying 14th place (20 points). Thorup noted that Bochum have played well at home this season and stated that he’s expecting it to be “an eventful game. Bochum are a side that love a challenge. They’re good at pressing and are good in the air. That being said, the players know what to expect from the opposition,” said Augsburg’s head coach.

Dorsch and Beljo face long spells on the sidelines

FCA will be without Niklas Dorsch (groin) and Dion Beljo (hip) for the foreseeable future. Mads Pedersen returned to full training on Thursday after overcoming an injury, but Thorup kept his cards close to his chest when asked whether the new arrival will be in the squad at the weekend. “We’ve talked about it a lot over the past few days. We’ve got to be patient, though. We’re fully focused on training and the match on Saturday.”

Around 1,000 FCA fans are expected to accompany the side to Bochum. “We’ll be going into the lion’s den. It’s sure to be an amazing atmosphere and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s why we love football as players and coaches,” said Thorup before the clash. Earlier in the season, the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at the WWK ARENA.