Our next opponents: A formidable force even without their top goalscorer

Position

FC Nürnberg suffered a setback on Saturday: After 14 games over two seasons, the Franconians suffered their first defeat. In the top-of-the-table clash in Bundesliga 2, coach Miroslav Klose’s side lost 1-0 at home to FC Kaiserslautern. The 47,000 spectators at the sold-out Max Morlock Stadion witnessed a thrilling, high-quality encounter where the hosts had a clear advantage in terms of chances (31 to 12). But time and again they were thwarted by the outstanding FCK keeper Julian Krahl. Despite the defeat, Klose – a former Kaiserslautern player – had little to criticise: “Defensively, apart from the lapse in concentration that led to the goal we conceded, we gave very little away. The only thing we can blame ourselves for is this: we really should have scored at least one goal with such clear shot stats in our favour.” After five wins, three draws and this one defeat against Kaiserslautern, Nürnberg remain second in the table on 18 points, now level with third-placed Kaiserslautern and seven behind leaders Hertha Berlin.

FCN struggled in the first round of the DFB Pokal: they were lucky to secure a win on penalties against third-tier side FC Viktoria Köln. Piet Scobel put the Franconians ahead. But Viktoria, who squandered a host of chances, equalised to make it 1–1 deep into stoppage time. In the penalty shoot-out, the hosts even missed a match-winning penalty, but in the end it was the Nuremberg side who were celebrating.

Personnel

FC Nürnberg top goalscorer, Mohamed Ali Zoma, dislocated his left shoulder during the penultimate league match against Energie Cottbus (1–1) and he is now unavailable until at least the winter break. The 22-year-old Italian, who has Ivorian roots, tops the Bundesliga 2 scoring charts alongside Felix Klaus (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) with seven goals. Rafael Lubach started in Zoma’s position against Kaiserslautern. 

With Finn Ole Becker sidelined, FCN have been without another key player in attack for several weeks now. The midfielder has undergone surgery and will also be out of action for some time. Julian Justvan has taken over the number 10 role in recent games. The defensive midfield roles are covered by the Spaniard Javier Fernandez, on loan from Bayern Munich, and the Finn Adam Markhiev. Both have started in all ten matches so far. The same applies to centre-forward Piet Scobel. The 21-year-old is FCN’s second-highest scorer after Zoma, with six goals to his name. 

The newly formed Nürnberg defence has now gelled. In front of Jan Reichert, the undisputed number one in goal, the same players have consistently formed the back four, with one exception: Alexios Kalogeropoulos and Fynn Otto in central defence, and Tim Janisch (right) and Eric Porstner on the flanks. However, Otto had to be substituted after just 36 minutes against Kaiserslautern due to a knee injury. He is doubtful for the match in Leverkusen.

Problems

With Zoma out, FC Nürnberg are losing a great deal of individual quality. The Italy international cannot be replaced on a one-for-one basis. Winger Zoma shone in the first seven second-division matches, and not just as a goalscorer. Thanks to his pace (top speed 36.65 km/h) and his dribbling ability, he has also been a constant thorn in the side of opposing defences. Nevertheless, Miroslav Klose is convinced his team can make up for the absence of their star player. When asked by a journalist if FCN could remain a top side in the coming weeks even without Zoma, Klose replied with a smile: “Definitely yes”. They have players with different qualities. “And once they’ve been in the team for a match or two and the rhythm and confidence are there, they will be able to make a difference too.”

Performers

With 21 goals, FC Nürnberg boast the second-best attack in Bundesliga 2, behind VfL Wolfsburg (23). FCN failed to score for the first time this season in the 1-0 defeat to FC Kaiserslautern. Since World Cup winner Miroslav Klose took charge at the Valznerweiher in the summer of 2024, Nürnberg have developed into one of the strongest teams in Bundesliga 2. This term, they lead the stats for possession (55 per cent) and pass completion (86.8 per cent), and have also registered the most shots on goal (167). Alongside the injured Zoma, players such as Julian Justvan and Piet Scobel bring plenty of attacking firepower. Both scored two goals in the 4–2 victory in the Franconian derby against SpVgg Greuther Fürth and also provided one assist for each other. Adam Markhiev has also already racked up three goals and two assists. The FCN top providers are 19-year-old full-back Eric Porstner and midfielder Javier Fernandez, with four assists each.