After six weeks of intense pre-season preparations, FC Augsburg will kick off their 2024/25 campaign on Sunday at 13:00 CEST, facing fourth-division side Viktoria Berlin away. FCA aims to secure a spot in the second round with a strong showing.
“We’re really excited to get going again,” said FCA head coach Jess Thorup, who praised the DFB-Pokal as “a great competition.” Following last season’s disappointing first-round exit against Unterhaching (2-0 loss), Thorup’s squad is determined to remain in the tournament as long as possible. “We’ve prepared well and will approach the game with utmost seriousness,” he emphasized.
Thorup anticipates a focused performance throughout the full 90 minutes on Sunday. FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin has started their Regionalliga Nordost season with four points from three matches. “Our focus is on our own game and how we want to play,” said the 54-year-old Dane, who has won the domestic cup both as a player and coach in his home country.
Jakić and Wolf back in full training
Except for Robert Gumny and goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, Thorup has a complete squad at his disposal. Kristijan Jakić, who recently recovered from a knock, and new signing Marius Wolf have both been in full training all week. Thorup mentioned that “Wolf feels good.”
“Our full attention is on the cup match in Berlin. We want to begin the season on a positive note,” explained Thorup. The Fuggerstädter were recently defeated 2-1 at home by Olympique Marseille in their final pre-season friendly. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, who scored in that match at the WWK ARENA, will captain the team on Sunday.
Over 1,500 FCA fans are expected to travel to the capital for the season opener. The match will be held at the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark, which is scheduled for demolition later this year.
