Ahead of the upcoming floodlit match against Werder Bremen, 1. FC Nürnberg still have two question marks behind important players.
The 1. FC Nürnberg was unbeaten for the longest time in this second division season, but after an exhausting week with three games in seven days, they suffered their first defeat in Darmstadt. After the 0:2 at the Böllenfalltor, coach Robert Klauß gave his players two days off, and on Tuesday the Franconians started preparing for the match against Werder Bremen.
With Tom Krauß (concussion) and Asger Sörensen (fractured cheekbone) the club was accompanied by two big question marks during the week, with both of them there will be a last-minute decision as to whether they are fit for action. While Krauß has been given the green light by the doctors and will be able to train with the team for the first time again on Thursday, it will be a question of feeling for Sörensen. The Dane already trained on Wednesday with a special mask, but in the end he would have to decide for himself, as Klauß reported at the press conference.
Klauß has respect for Werder
If it is not enough for the centre-back, Klauß has “two or three options”. On the one hand, youngster Mario Suver, who already replaced Sörensen in Darmstadt and probably knows the procedures in the defensive centre best, would be available. “We can also move a midfielder to the back or switch to a three-man backline. Tim Handwerker can also play centrally at the back,” Klauß lists the other options without wanting to commit to one.
Against the Bundesliga relegated team, which according to Klauß has a “top-class line-up” and “extreme qualities”, a loss of Sörensen would certainly be painful, especially as the best defence in the league (only nine goals conceded) would be torn apart.
Friday evening, floodlights – Club against Werder. That sounds good already.
But former Werder fan Klauß is still looking forward to the upcoming match in front of a “sold-out” crowd. “Friday night, floodlights – Club against Werder. That sounds good,” says Klauß, who enjoys playing in the evening. “It’s also a nice schedule, as long as it doesn’t follow two days after a cup match,” the club coach smiles, taking a side swipe at the DFL’s matchday planners.
If the club manages at least a draw against Bremen, the home series of the Franconians will be maintained. FCN have not lost at the Max-Morlock-Stadion for twelve league games this season, and have won four of their six games at home so far this season. “Of course our players feel comfortable in our stadium, it’s fun to play in front of our spectators,” said Klauß, who, however, does not attach greater importance to the home series. “The primary goal is that we can score in every game and push our development. “
