FC Pipinsried is gearing up for a much-needed redemption following their disappointing performance and subsequent loss to SpVgg Unterhaching II. The team is set to host Türkspor Augsburg at the Küchenstadel-Arena this Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 14:00, with high hopes of making amends.
The aftermath of the 0:1 defeat last weekend left the squad reflecting on their performance, with head coach Sepp Steinberger making it clear during training this week: "What we showed last Saturday was pretty abysmal, and everyone knows we need to present ourselves quite differently against Türkspor.” He emphasized the importance of self-assessment before focusing on their opponents.
Despite significant challenges, Steinberger observed the team’s energy during training was commendable. "We definitely didn’t just take it easy; the intensity was palpable. We can go confidently and with good feelings going to the game on Saturday," he stated.
Complicately, the situation has become more precarious for the team with injuries mounting. Following his recent surgery for a torn meniscus, 24-year-old Daniel Zanker has been sidelined indefinitely, and his absence, along with other key players, poses serious questions for the match strategy. Zanker was set to take on the player-coach role next season with FSV Pfaffenhofen.
Meanwhile, Ludwig Räuber, the co-player-coach, continues to grapple with muscular issues stemming from their past game against Sonthofen. Steinberger is hopeful about the recovery of striker Florian Gebert and goalkeeper Maximilian Retzer, both of whom missed the last training session due to illness, expressing optimism about their potential availability for the Turkish encounter.
Historically, Türkspor Augsburg is no push-over. Steinberger is well aware of their challenges, stating, “Türkspor has proven to be very solid defensively, and we must find solutions against them.” He noted their dismal start to the second half of the season hasn’t dampened his caution, as they recently drew 0:0 against Landsberg.
This heightened caution is informed by their previous encounter with Türkspor, where Pipinsried was held to a 2:2 draw thanks to a last-minute equalizer from Nico Karger. The current standing sees FC Pipinsried sitting sixth, but Steinberger insists rankings shouldn't lead them to underestimate their opponents.
“Before we look at the opponent, we should first focus on ourselves,” he remarked, hinting at the need for internal growth and improvement. The transformative culture of teamwork, Steinberger believes, is key to returning to their winning ways. "It must be about unity, without which, individual talent means little,” he articulated, stressing the need for the team to recapture the spirit they once had last season.
Adding to their troubles, Benedikt Lobenhofer’s potential return remains unclear, having been preoccupied with examinations over the past two weeks. His presence could offer valuable support, especially considering the wear and tear impacting the team.
With the match on Saturday approaching quickly, the pressure is on FC Pipinsried to showcase their resilience and dig deep to reverse their fortunes. Stepping back onto the pitch against Türkspor is not just about climbing the league table; it’s about reclaiming their pride and demonstrating the hard work they’ve dedicated over the past week.
The players and coaches alike are gearing up for what promises to be not just another game, but perhaps, the turning point they so desperately need. They are acutely aware of the stakes involved and the reputation at hand. A categorical statement needs to be made through their performance, proving they can rise above recent disappointments. FC Pipinsried is ready to take the next step, and fans are eager to see if their resolve can lead to victory this Saturday.