International break, usually time for test matches at clubs. Not at FC Augsburg, who have dispensed with a comparison this time. The coach explains why and has Alfred Finnbogason in mind as a cautionary tale.
In the two previous international breaks, Augsburg had still tested at 1. FC Heidenheim and against Jahn Regensburg (1:0) The 2-1 win at Ostalb, however, remained a bad memory for Weinzierl: goalkeeper Finnbogason, who had just recovered from an ankle injury, suffered a blistered Achilles tendon at Ostalb and was out for a few more weeks.
Just one example of unpleasant side-effects for the Bavarian Swabians, who have been battered in terms of personnel from the start of this season. “We had test matches in the past two international breaks, but each time with only ten or eleven field players,” explained Weinzierl, whose squad has to call up a number of internationals. “That’s difficult every time because you also sometimes use a player who still has a tweak somewhere.” Players, see Finnbogason, who are at risk of a setback if the worst comes to the worst.
This time, the head coach did not expect much added value in terms of knowledge from a possible friendly duel. “Most recently we had a couple of games with the English week and the cup game, so we decided to play a game internally, padded with junior players,” Weinzierl said. “We have enough knowledge about the players from the past weeks.” For him, it is more important to offer the injured and stricken players the necessary time for convalescence.
