Thorup: “We’ve got momentum”

Away to Hoffenheim

FC Augsburg are in action away at TSG Hoffenheim on matchday 28 in the Bundesliga. Head coach Jess Thorup’s side have the chance to extend their five-game unbeaten run – including four wins – on Sunday (15:30 CEST).

A tough away game now awaits the Fuggerstädter following the 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln last weekend, in which FCA “weren’t rewarded for a good performance” according to Thorup. “Hoffenheim have a lot of quality in attack, especially on the counterattack. We need to pay attention to that.” Defending against quick counterattacks was discussed once again just after the game against Köln. “We’ve addressed this during the week,” explained the 54-year-old, who can see a lot of confidence within his team: “We’ve got momentum – we want to keep that going.”

Hoffenheim are currently ninth with 33 points and are consequently just three points behind FC Augsburg. FCA can maintain a clear gap to their rivals in the run-in with a victory. “We’re currently evenly matched with TSG and we’re just above them. Therefore, we desperately want to pick up three points in order to stay there,” said Throup, who doesn’t want to get carried away with things: “We’re taking it one game at a time because there are still 21 points to play for.” However, the target is clear: “We want to finish as high up as possible in the table.”

Alongside Robert Gumny, who was sent special get-well wishes by the team following his ACL tear ahead of the last home game (all the players warmed up wearing a t-shirt with number 2 on the back), Elvis Rexhbecaj also won’t be able to play a part in the run-in. The 26-year-old underwent a successful operation during the week following his metatarsal fracture. Additionally, the injured Fredrik Jensen, Iago and Kevin Mbabu are all still doubts for the game in Hoffenheim. However, Kristijan Jakić is expected to be available, having taken part in team training again on Friday. Ermedin Demirović is also available again following his one-game suspension: “We’re looking forward to seeing the captain back on the pitch again. He’s really important to the team, both on and off the pitch,” said Thorup.