Thorup: “We want points, preferably even three”
In front of a full house against Bayern
In their first home game of the second half of the season, FC Augsburg will take on the record champions on Saturday (January 27th, 15:30 CET) in an all-Bavarian clash at the WWK ARENA. Thorup’s side will be looking to put in a brave performance and are relying on the support of a capacity crowd.
“I feel like we’re on a really good trajectory,” said FCA head coach Jess Thorup, referring to the progress the team have made with the ball at their feet, amongst other things. Before last weekend’s 2-1 away victory over Gladbach, Thorup had called for improvements in that regard – this game plan will have to be continued against a team as dominant on the ball as Bayern München. “We will try to keep in control of the game not just when we’re out of possession, but when we have the ball as well. We don’t just want to defend.”
After FCA closed out the first half of the season with three points on the road at the Foals, Bayern lost ground in the title race at home against Bremen, but were able to secure a 1-0 win over Union Berlin on Wednesday evening. Jess Thorup and assistant coach Jacob Friis were at the Allianz to get a close look at their upcoming opponents. Bayern must now play twice within the space of three days – but Thorup doesn’t see the quick turnaround as an advantage for his side. “Bayern are used to playing three times a week. They are a strong side and know exactly what they need to win games.”
Everyone available for Bayern
While the treatment room at Bayern keeps on filling up, the Fuggerstädter can pick from a full squad of players. “Everyone trained today,” said Thorup. According to the Dane, even Niklas Dorsch, who left training early on Wednesday because of adductor problems, will be available. “Everything looked good with him. Niklas participated in everything. That is of course hugely important for me as a coach.”
The WWK ARENA will again be completely sold out for the game against Bayern. “It’s huge for us to play at home in front of a full house. The fans are our 12th man on the pitch,” emphasised Thorup. He sees the onus as on his team though: “Every player will have to put in a top performance to get anything out of the game after 90 minutes. We want to win points, preferably even three.”
