Bundesliga 2 - Kaiserslautern threatened with relegation if they lose
Second-division soccer team 1. FC Kaiserslautern wants to end its losing streak at the end of the year and go into the winter break with a good feeling and important points in the relegation battle. "We know that a win would make Christmas more bearable for us. Of course, we're looking at the table and are aware of the situation," said FCK coach Dimitrios Grammozis ahead of the basement clash at Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday (1.30pm/Sky).
The Red Devils have lost five games in a row and have plummeted to 15th place in the table. Only one point separates FCK from the direct relegation zone. "Nobody at the club or in the team is underestimating the situation. I can say that with full conviction. We know that we have to score points," said Grammozis. Braunschweig are currently in 17th place.
Grammozis is satisfied with his first two games since taking over from Dirk Schuster on December 3. Kaiserslautern advanced to the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup with a 2-0 win against 1. FC Nürnberg, while last Saturday the Palatinate side were somewhat unlucky to lose 2-1 to Hertha BSC. "We conceded very little in both games. The team showed compactness and was active going forward. But we know that we have to defend defensive standards even better," said the 45-year-old.
In Braunschweig, the FCK coach will have to do without captain Jean Zimmer, who is out with a torn muscle fiber. Aaron Opoku is still in rehab. Afeez Aremu has been suspended for three matches for his red card in the match against Berlin. Almamy Touré and Ragnar Ache, who have been struggling recently, have returned to parts of team training, but their participation is still questionable. Around 2200 fans will accompany FCK to Braunschweig.
Matchday squad and table
Read also:
- A clan member is punished here
- Traffic lawyer warns: Don't talk to the police!
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- If 1. FC Kaiserslautern fails to win against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday, they risk sliding further down toward the relegation place in Bundesliga 2, a league they currently inhabit due to a series of defeats.
- FCK coach Dimitrios Grammozis acknowledges the gravity of the situation, as Kaiserslautern is only one point above the direct relegation zone, and no one within the club or team is underestimating the challenge.
- Eintracht Braunschweig, currently in the 17th place, poses a formidable opponent for Kaiserslautern. Braunschweig's recent performance has been less than stellar, with five consecutive losses, adding to the urgency for a victory.
- Grammozis is optimistic about FCK's prospects, citing their impressive showings in their previous two games under his leadership, advancing to the DFB Cup quarter-finals and narrowly losing to Hertha BSC last Saturday.
- However, the upcoming match against Braunschweig brings its own set of challenges. Kaiserslautern will be without their captain Jean Zimmer due to injury, with Aaron Opoku still in rehab and Almamy Touré and Ragnar Ache's participation remaining questionable.
- The Red Devils will rely on their passionate fan base, estimated at around 2200 fans, to provide the necessary support and motivation to secure a much-needed victory in the relegation battle.
- The outcome of this crucial match will significantly impact the Annual Financial statements of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, as a win would provide valuable points to bolster their position in the Bundesliga 2 table, while a defeat will incur further setbacks.
- In the grand scheme of German Soccer, the battle between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Eintracht Braunschweig on this particular Sunday transcends mere sports rivalry, carrying the weight of promotion, relegation, and the very survival of these clubs within Germany's prestigious Bundesliga.
Source: www.stern.de
