Thorup: “Work hard when not in possession”

Friday night clash with Mainz

FC Augsburg will host 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Friday evening at the WWK ARENA (20:30 CEST). After having picked up their first win of the season against FC St. Pauli last weekend, FCA are eager to continue adding to their points haul.

“The win was exactly the reaction that I’d hoped for,” said head coach Jess Thorup during today’s pre-match press conference. He was especially pleased with the number of chances his side created during their 3-1 win against St. Pauli, although he added that he’d like to see them convert more of them. Mainz are still waiting for their first win of the season, with Thorup commenting that his team will need to “work hard when not in possession.” He added, “They are a very tough opponent that press hard and are strong physically, as well as mentally.”

FCA’s most recent meeting with the 05ers ended in a 1-0 defeat. It was FSV head coach Bo Henriksen’s first game in charge of the side, as they went on to win each of their next five matches on the way to avoiding relegation. “He’s done an incredible job,” Thorup said in praise of his fellow countryman. “We know what to expect and are prepared.” The fact that he’s coming up against a fellow Danish coach isn’t something Thorup is concerning himself with, saying “It doesn’t make it any easier or more difficult – we both want to win.”

Jensen and Mounié set to return – Klein injured

Fredrik Jensen, who missed the game against St. Pauli with an illness, is fit and ready to feature this weekend. Steve Mounié, who welcomed his first child at the weekend, is also available. Frank Onyeka, Dimitris Giannoulis and Marius Wolf were all subbed off with knocks on Sunday, with Thorup saying the trio were all “100% fit.” He added that he’s pleased with the level of competition within the squad, saying “Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.”

FCA will be without Masaya Okugawa, who remains out with illness, as well as Daniel Klein. The goalkeeper is set to be sidelined for several weeks with a foot injury. Finn Dahmen, meanwhile, will be part of the squad after having made his return to competitive action with the U23s most recently.