There could have been relief after 1. FC Magdeburg clinched a last-minute point against Heidenheim. After all, the Elbe city-dwellers had added at least one point after a win for the first time this season with the 1-1. Instead, dissatisfaction dominated – when asked about his feelings about the equalizer deep in injury time, coach Christian Titz explained: “It may sound strange, but I was a bit upset, but I was happy for the team that we took at least a point.”
Baris Atik, captain of the team again, was not only annoyed about the loss of a point, but also about some whistles that had been given by the ranks in the meantime. “One or the other thinks that we don’t have any solutions when we have possession of the ball. But the goal was to put the opponent in until the gap opened up. The point is absolutely fine, if you saw something else, you can unfortunately I can’t help,” said the 27-year-old.
The game against Heidenheim showed the problems that 1. FC Magdeburg have had since the beginning of the season. Despite a lot of ball possession, the Elbe city-dwellers too often lack action in the penalty area and thus penetrating power against low-lying opponents. In addition, the opponents land a hit from their usually few options. The away wins at Hamburger SV and Karlsruher SC (each 3-2) illustrate that Titz’ style of play can still lead to success.
The FCM often looks good against teams that participate in the game and thus offer space behind their defensive line, but sometimes fail because of the poor exploitation of chances. If it’s better, like last time in Hamburg (9 shots on goal, 3 hits), the Elbe city’s chances of winning increase significantly. It is questionable to what extent the rest of the program will accommodate the Elbe townsfolk here.
Magdeburg has to play away at 1. FC Nürnberg and Arminia Bielefeld in the coming English week, and also welcomes the current leaders from Darmstadt. Especially in the away games with opponents who need every point themselves, the spaces that the FCM wants could arise. In any case, “we footballers didn’t go into a game to draw or lose,” said Atik, looking ahead to the game in Nuremberg.
There he again relies on great support from the audience. “I know very well that our fans will also support us in Nuremberg. When I see our attitude in the last few games, we can also take the three points in Nuremberg,” said the offensive player. Points from the three games and a corresponding non-relegation zone would ensure a quiet winter break on the Elbe.
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