FC Erzgebirge Aue faces significant challenges as they approach the Rückrundenauftakt against Hannover 96 II this Friday evening. With the team missing key players due to illness, the first official match under new head coach Jens Härtel promises to be filled with uncertainties.
Originally, Marvin Stefaniak and Sean Seitz were ruled out for the match due to health issues, but the situation has worsened over the week. A common cold seems to have swept through the team, sidelining three more important players—Mirnes Pepic, Ali Loune, and Pascal Fallmann—from making the trip to Hannover. Fallmann had returned to training midweek after initially missing two sessions due to illness, but it appears he returned too soon.
"The temperature differences have taken their toll on the players, particularly after transitioning from our warmer training camp at the Turkish Riviera to the colder conditions back home," said Härtel. This dramatic shift combined with some mis-timed recoveries has left the team scrambling for depth.
To combat this situation, U19 players have been called up to fill the void, indicating the club's reliance on its youth system during times of crisis. The coach is determined to field the most competitive lineup possible under the circumstances.
The match at 19:00 CET on Friday, broadcast on Magenta Sport, will not only be the season opener for Aue but also the first time Härtel leads the team officially. There’s high anticipation about how the squad will adapt under his leadership after the short preparation period of just two weeks.
"We don’t have much time to prepare, and I have to manage the team’s workload carefully," Härtel commented. Successful integration of new strategies will be gradual, as he is cautious not to overexert the team. Despite the time constraints, Härtel expressed satisfaction with some aspects of training, showing optimism about the squad's willingness to embrace new tactics.
One key area the coach has focused on is improving both offensive and defensive standards during set pieces. Härtel remarked, "We analyze extra and prepare the boys on what to expect against Hannover." With uncertainty surrounding Hannover’s starting eleven, Härtel has made strategic adjustments based on their recent performances against Viktoria Köln and Rostock.
He's noted the intensity expected from both sides: "Hannover has good abilities to switch styles quickly following ball recovery, and they tend to play fast and variably, which are aspects we need to be prepared for. Nevertheless, we must focus on our interests, which is starting the point season off successfully." The match promises high stakes for both teams, with Aue eager to kick-start their points tally for the new year.
With excitement brewing among fans, Aue's loyal supporters remain hopeful for their team, which faces not just the challenge of competing but also the hurdles of managing player health and performance expectations. The clash against Hannover 96 II awaits, and all eyes will be on how Aue copes with these predicaments.