Dynamo Dresden’s interim result after nine matchdays is satisfactory with a place in midfield. However, the trend is pointing downwards after the top start. Now comes the so far unbeaten 1. FC Nuremberg (Sunday, 1.30 pm).
Dresden coach Alexander Schmidt will have to do without Michael Akoto for the clash against the only FCN team that is still undefeated (3/6/0). The defender, who has been on the bench since Matchday 3, has torn a muscle fibre in his adductor area. Fortunately, the 24-year-old will not be out for long – just like Tim Knipping (cruciate ligament rupture), another key player in the defence.
The absence of Vlachodimos and Borrello also hurts
But not only in the defensive area, also in the offensive the loss of two potential regulars hurts the Dresdeners, with Panagiotis Vlachodimos (cruciate ligament tear) and Brandon Borrello (foot fracture) not to be expected for months. And so the Dynamo goal threat is channelled primarily through Christoph Daferner, with five goals and one assist also the Saxons’ best scorer.
Dresden, who last week extended their contract with sporting director Ralf Becker until 2025, have lost four of their last five games – and Nuremberg’s defence is a tough nut to crack for the best of the three promoted teams so far (4/1/4), as the club has conceded the fewest of all second-division teams with seven goals and knows how to play compactly. This is precisely what could give Schmidt a headache, as possession is not one of his team’s strengths, and they are more at home in transition situations.
Where does Daferner play?
Perhaps the Dynamo coach is also pondering in which role he will let Daferner operate this time: Most recently, the attacker, who otherwise plays up front, had twice played behind the leaders – including in the last home match against Bundesliga relegated Werder Bremen (3-0), in which he provided a highlight in the losing streak as a two-goal scorer.
