Thorup: “We’re focused on ourselves”

Matchday 8 away game in Heidenheim

FC Augsburg visit 1. FC Heidenheim early on Sunday evening (17:30 CEST). Led by new head coach Jess Thorup, FCA will be looking to pick up their first away points of the season against last season’s second-tier champions.

“It’s been a hectic few days,” is how Jess Thorup described his first week as FCA head coach. The new boss has used this time in the best possible way, with the 53-year-old appearing pleased with the training level. “I got a very good impression of the team,” said the experienced Dane, who is focusing in particular on the players’ attitudes and mindsets. “I’ve tried to bring the players to where I want them to be as quickly as possible,” explains Thorup. For the game on Sunday, he demands above all “mentality, fight and commitment”.

FCA can count on the support of their fans from the first whistle. 2,000 supporters are following the team on the relatively short trip to Heidenheim. “I’m pleased that so many fans are coming with us to Heidenheim. That’s perfect and we need them,” said Thorup. The two teams face their first ever competitive encounter at the weekend, having only played friendlies up until now.

FCA TV: Die Pressekonferenz vor dem Spiel in Heidenheim

Okugawa and Tanganga in the squad?

The FCA coach has a large squad to choose from against a Heidenheim team who are strong at home. The match on Sunday should come too early for Kevin Mbabu, and Ruben Vargas also only trained individually this week. It is however welcome that new signings Masaya Okugawa and Japhet Tanganga could appear in the squad for the first time after injury. Arne Engels, who recently missed two matches due to a ban, is also available.

Thorup was full of praise for Heidenheim: “I have a lot of respect for how Heidenheim have developed over the last few years.” FCA’s head coach expects a competitive game and is looking forward to “finally seeing his players on the pitch”. Thorup added: “It’s going to be a tough game. Heidenheim are a dangerous team and have done very well so far. However, we’re focused on ourselves and we want to win the game on Sunday.”