Augsburg coach praises opponents Union: "Must be a role model"
Augsburg coach Jess Thorup has praised the development of Augsburg's next opponents, 1. FC Union Berlin, in recent years and praised them as a model for other teams. Although the club from the capital are currently in crisis and are bottom of the Bundesliga table, the team had previously stormed from the second division to the Champions League in the space of five years. "The way they've done it must be a role model for all of us small clubs," said Thorup on Thursday. "What they've done over the last few years is top class."
Under coach Urs Fischer, the Köpenickers had reached heights that were hardly thought possible. It was only this season that this was halted, with the popular Swiss losing his job after 14 games without a win in all competitions. On Saturday (3.30pm/Sky), Union will be coached by Marco Grote, who is currently in charge of the youngsters.
"The change of coach has made things more difficult for us," said Thorup on FCA's preparations for the away game. Because it was unclear how Union would line up and play tactically, the Swabians had to practise several variations of the game.
The fact that the Berliners will have Marie-Louise Eta at their side as assistant coach - the first time in the league's history that a woman has done so - is of no relevance to Thorup. "I'm happy to say hello to her. Otherwise, I don't care so much whether it's a woman or a man. A coach is a coach, regardless of whether it's a woman or a man," said the Dane.
Augsburg travel to the German capital with confidence after four unbeaten games and eight points under Thorup, with the aim of consolidating their lead over the relegation zone with a win. With the exception of Arne Maier (ankle injury) and Masaya Okugawa (foot injury), all players are available. "We're going to Berlin to win," the coach made clear.
Despite facing a struggling Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, Augsburg coach Jess Thorup acknowledges their past achievements, stating, "The way Union Berlin climbed from the second division to the Champions League in just five years is top-class and a model for small clubs like ours." Despite Union currently sitting at the bottom of the table, Thorup emphasizes, "FC Augsburg needs to learn from their resilience and determination."
Source: www.dpa.com
