Manuel Baum’s FC Augsburg currently stand 15th in the Bundesliga courtesy of earning 18 points from 22 Bundesliga games in the 2018/2019 campaign. Fuggerstädter, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season with 41 points, earned three points from their previous six Bundesliga games, which saw the Bavarian club registering just one win in their last six matches, whilst dropping 15 from a maximum of 18 points along the way.
FC Augsburg have scored eight goals and conceded 14 at the other end in their last six Bundesliga matches, whilst remaining three points adrift from struggling VfB Stuttgart, who have earned just one point from their last seven Bundesliga games under Markus Weinzierl.
FC Augsburg elsewhere have scored 31 goals and conceded 40 throughout the current Bundesliga campaign. FC Augsburg, who finished 5th in the Bundesliga in the 2014/2015 season, incidentally under Markus Weinzierl, also placed 12th in the Bundesliga in the 2015/2016 season followed with respective finishes of 13th (2016/2017) and, of course, a 12th positioned finish last season.
Meanwhile, FC Augsburg’s next six Bundesliga fixtures are against: SC Freiburg (February 23), Borussia Dortmund (March 1), RB Leipzig (March 9), Hannover 96 (March 16), 1. FC Nürnberg (March 30) and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (April 7).
Before FC Augsburg’s Bundesliga away fixture this Saturday afternoon at the 24,000 capacity Schwarzwald-Stadion against Christian Streich’s SC Freiburg, FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with FC Augsburg defender, Reece Oxford, 20, currently on loan at FC Augsburg from English Premier League club West Ham United until the end of the season, to discuss the talented young Englishman’s ambitions, coupled alongside the current vogue of young talented English players moving to Germany, as well as Oxford’s thoughts on German culture in contrast to the lifestyle in England.
Dean Perretta: Reece, what are the main goals for FC Augsburg in the second half of the Bundesliga season?
Reece Oxford: My main goal is to play as many games (at FC Augsburg) as I can and to help the team to stay up. I think we have a great team and we deserve to stay in the Bundesliga.
Dean Perretta: In your opinion, how would you describe the coaching philosophy of Manuel Baum?
Reece Oxford: He (Manuel Baum) is very intense. I think he is a very good trainer and I hope to learn a lot from him and Jens Lehmann (FC Augsburg Assistant Coach).
Dean Perretta: Do you feel that young English players now consider the Bundesliga as a positive career alternative instead of staying in England?
Reece Oxford: Yes. As you can see, there are multiple young English Players (leaving England to play in the Bundesliga) and they are doing a good job. I feel like it’s a great opportunity (to play in the Bundesliga) if you don’t get a lot of game time in the Premier League.
Dean Perretta: What aspects of the German culture and lifestyle do you value most?
Reece Oxford: It’s definitely different (here in Germany) to England. But I like it, it is very disciplined and serious, which is good for me as a player. I haven’t tried real German food yet but I heard that sausages are good around here (in the Bavaria).
Dean Perretta: How would you describe the confidence in the training camp at FC Augsburg?
Reece Oxford: The atmosphere (within the club training camp) is very chilled and the boys (at the club) are very welcoming (since arriving). I’ve only been here (in Augsburg) for three weeks (since arriving on loan from West Ham United) but I feel like I have been here for a long time already. Everyone (in the team) speaks English and we get along very well.
Dean Perretta: Lastly, how would you describe the passion of the supporters of FC Augsburg?
Reece Oxford: The (FC Augsburg) fans are great. Even though the team went through a rough couple of weeks (in the Bundesliga), the fans have always been there and supported us (during this period). Hopefully we can give them something back.
