Manuel Baum, the coach of FC Augsburg, is tempering expectations after a run of three wins in four matches. Despite climbing to eleventh place in the Bundesliga table, the coach warns against excessive fan expectations. Augsburg will face VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, a team in a difficult sporting and squad situation, currently occupying fifteenth place. The hosts are planning a unique pre-match ceremony involving Volkswagen factory workers.

Coach Baum's Warning

The FC Augsburg coach appeals for calm despite three wins in the last four matches, pointing to excessive pressure of expectations.

Wolfsburg's Crisis Situation

Augsburg's opponents occupy only 15th place, trailing them by five points, despite having players of high repute in their squad.

Action with VW Workers

VfL Wolfsburg players will enter the pitch in work jackets accompanied by Volkswagen factory employees instead of a children's escort.

The situation at FC Augsburg has significantly improved following a series of successful performances that have lifted the team to 11th place in the Bundesliga table. However, coach Manuel Baum, who took over from Sandro Wagner, is cooling the enthusiasm of fans and media. During a press conference, he emphasized that the team is still in a stabilization phase and that current external expectations are disproportionately high relative to the actual stage of the project's development. Baum noted that it is crucial to steadily accumulate points, not to succumb to the pressure for results at all costs. FC Augsburg is a club from Bavaria that first gained promotion to the top flight in 2011 and has since, despite a modest budget, regularly maintained its elite status, even playing in the Europa League in 2015. The upcoming clash with VfL Wolfsburg shapes up as a typical duel between teams fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The rivals from Lower Saxony currently have five points fewer than Augsburg and occupy a disappointing 15th position. Baum expressed the opinion that Wolfsburg has "somewhat lost its way in the table," considering the squad's potential. He pointed to the presence of players like Christian Eriksen and Mohammed Amoura as proof of the opponent's high individual quality. The Wolfsburg team has prepared a special promotional action for Saturday's match – instead of children, the players will be led onto the pitch by Volkswagen factory workers dressed in company workwear, which is meant to highlight the club's bond with local industry. „Following recent matches, expectations towards us have arisen that are extremely high. However, we must remember that we are still in a stabilization phase.” — Manuel Baum In other parts of the table, the situation is also becoming tense. 1. FC Heidenheim is preparing for a difficult encounter with VfB Stuttgart, trying to break a streak of four matches without a point. Heidenheim's recent 0:1 defeat precisely to Augsburg worsened their situation, while Stuttgart approaches the game boosted by a 3:1 victory over 1. FC Köln. Dynamic changes in the middle and lower parts of the table mean that every upcoming weekend could bring crucial decisions in the battle to avoid relegation.

Mentioned People

  • Manuel Baum — FC Augsburg coach, who warns against excessive pressure and assesses the opponent's potential.
  • Christian Eriksen — Renowned Danish footballer, cited as an example of high individual quality in Wolfsburg's squad.
  • Mohammed Amoura — Top scorer and key player for VfL Wolfsburg.