Totally surprisingly, Augsburg can plan to play Sergio Cordova against Bielefeld. Criticism from Markus Weinzierl hailed for FIFA.
Just a few days ago, Markus Weinzierl was complaining that he would have to rebuild his team again on Sunday against the Arminen. Just after FCA had convinced in the 1:2 in Dortmund and deserved the coach’s trust for another game. Carlos Gruezo and Cordova, he expected, would have to be replaced, who were on home missions. “We don’t play until Sunday,” Weinzierl said. “But what FIFA is doing is a disaster. With Cordova and with Gruezo, they are taking two players away from us.” He said it was more than a shame that the two South Americans would not be back until Saturday evening and were unlikely to be ready for action.
Now for the surprise. While Gruezo remains with the Ecuador selection, Cordova at least has made his way back to Augsburg. For personal reasons, as he let it be known on social media. The travel hassle had become too much for him, and besides, he now wanted to concentrate fully on FCA. The 24-year-old, who was in the starting eleven in Dortmund, may see a chance to play his way closer to the starting line-up in the absence of Florian Niederlechner (adductor surgery) and with a view to Alfred Finnbogason (after Achilles tendon problems), who only returned to training this week.
It’s important to make the most of every opportunity. Also and especially now against the Arminen, to whom he was still on loan from FCA last season. Weinzierl can be more than happy about the return. “He did well in Dortmund,” said the coach, who is looking to record his 50th win (in 33 draws and 64 defeats) against Bielefeld in his 147th game for Augsburg.
