“Of course, the mood after the win against Union (4-0, ed.) was good. But our attitude hasn’t changed at all: we need to keep growing and improving. The team have worked well and energy levels are high – I like that. We’re ready for Augsburg,” said Carles Martínez at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
Martínez: Augsburg "deserve" to be top of the table
For the first time in the club’s history, FCA are top of the Bundesliga. Their 3–0 win in their opening match against newly promoted FC Schalke 04 was followed by a 4–1 victory away at Eintracht Frankfurt. Martínez on FCA: “They’re top of the table, so they’re currently the best team in the league. They’ve put in two good performances, both in attack and defence, and deserve to be up there.”
The 42-year-old head coach now expects the following from his team: “Augsburg are playing with a lot of confidence at home at the moment; we need to recognise that. But the focus is on us. That’s the message that applies throughout the season. We have to give our all, start the match with focus and show passion.”
Duo still sidelined – Doué "an Option"
Nathan Tella and Montrell Culbreath are unavailable for the match against Augsburg. However, Martínez said: “The coming weeks will do them good in terms of getting fit.” Guéla Doué is “an option”. Like the rest of the squad, the right-back has “trained very well this week”. The same therefore applies to Moussa Diaby, of whom the 42-year-old said: “He’s settled in very well. I’m only just getting to know him, but I understand why many say he’s more mature than he used to be. He trains incredibly hard and can help the club improve. I’m glad he’s with us.”
When asked about competition within the team, Martínez also said: “These days, you need depth in a squad if you want to compete for trophies. It’s great to have plenty of options. Of course, not everyone can play. But the most important thing is that everyone gets a chance to prove themselves – whether from the start or towards the end of a game.”
away ticket office
2,000 fans are set to travel to support the Werkself at Augsburg. For last-minute spectators, an away ticket office will be open from two hours before kick-off (13:30 CEST). This is located directly in front of away stands X and W at the WWK Arena.
