Unsteady performance, many new signings, plus injured players - even after seven test matches, there are more questions than answers at FC Erzgebirge Aue. The start was bumpy, but the club management is still optimistic ahead of the start in the 3rd soccer league. "We hope that we can once again put out a good team that inspires the spectators and plays successfully," said sporting director Matthias Heidrich on the "Auepodcast". "It would also be nice if we could extend our home advantage."
With nine new signings, the personnel changes are greater than expected. "We did have to lose a few players," explained Heidrich, "but I think we laid a good foundation last year that we can build on." Jonah Fabisch (1. FC Magdeburg) and Ricky Bornschein (SpVgg Greuther Fürth II) in particular are expected to bolster the offense in the future, while the departures of key players Marco Schikora and Tim Danhof must also be compensated for.
The first setbacks have already occurred. Regular central defender Niko Vukancic suffered a collateral ligament injury in his left knee, had to undergo surgery and will be out for weeks. Aue's new midfielder Can Özkan (Arminia Bielefeld) also missed a large part of the preparation due to injury. His participation in the first games of the season is questionable. Sean Seitz had to take a break in the meantime due to a stretched ankle ligament.
