FCK under pressure: Series to end against Kiel
In the first game after the two-week international break, second-division soccer team 1. FC Kaiserslautern wants to break out of its negative spiral. Just one point from the last four games has seen coach Dirk Schuster's team slip into mid-table. The Palatinate side's last win dates back to October 6. "Everything is still close together in the table and we're right in the middle. I think we've learned the right lessons from the last few games," said Schuster on Friday.
FCK face another tough task against Holstein Kiel on Sunday (1.30pm/Sky), which Schuster also emphasized. "Kiel beat HSV and played an inspiring game. They are very flexible tactically, also in terms of personnel. That will be a special challenge."
The match marks the start of five games in three weeks for the Red Devils before the winter break. In addition to the four remaining games in the Bundesliga 2, the home game in the DFB Cup round of 16 against league rivals 1. FC Nürnberg is also on the agenda at the beginning of December.
"Despite the recent results, I think the mood around the club is still positive. We still have a few games ahead of us where we have to give our all again. We want to start doing that on Sunday," said Schuster.
FCK will still be without the injured Ragnar Ache and Aaron Opoku, while Boris Tomiak is still suspended. Almamy Touré, who was signed during the international break, is probably at least an option for the squad. "I think we'll put him on the bench. We'll talk to him again and then make a joint decision," said Schuster.
- Despite their current position in Bundesliga 2, 1. FC Kaiserslautern is determined to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming game against Bundesliga 2 rival, Holstein Kiel.
- Awaiting Kaiserslautern in Bundesliga 2's Bundesliga 2 is Holstein Kiel, a team that recently displayed inspiring play with a victory over HSV, showcasing their flexibility in terms of tactics and personnel, posing a significant challenge for the Palatinate side.
Source: www.dpa.com
