Traded as insider tips before the season in the promotion race, Fortuna Düsseldorf and SC Paderborn meet. The starting positions of the two ambitious clubs are already different.
Both clubs share the goal of attacking at the top of the 2nd Bundesliga. But the start of the season for the clubs traded as secret favorites, Fortuna Dusseldorf and SC Paderborn, went differently. The direct duel on Saturday (08/19/2023, 1 p.m.) will be a “yardstick at the right time”, as Paderborn coach Lukas Kwasniok stated at the press conference in advance.
Paderborn with a stutter start: Mileage can be improved
Because Düsseldorf is still the only second division team without conceding a goal. Fortuna got almost the maximum out of the games against Hertha BSC (1-0) and St. Pauli (0-0) with just one goal with four points.
Meanwhile, Paderborn’s engine in the league is not yet running smoothly. The otherwise usual intensity left a lot to be desired, the SCP players showed the fewest tempo runs and ran the least of all teams. In addition, access Max Kruse is already injured.
After the weak start (first a 0:5 swatter in Fürth, then at least a 1:1 against Osnabrück) the Paderborners are concerned about finding their way.
Kastenmeier extension makes Fortuna happy
So Fortuna goes into this duel with more tailwind. Coach Thioune also encouraged goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier’s contract extension on Thursday. It is known that Bundesliga clubs “have dealt with Florian”. Clubs from the floor that F95 wants to work its way back up to. Sports director Klaus Allofs makes no secret of this ambitious goal.
Thioune then put on the brakes a little at the press conference. Kastenmeier’s goal is also the German one football-Oberhaus, but the coach emphasized: “Before we open the door again to talk about the fight for promotion and the Bundesliga, we would do well to be happy that we have a really good second division goalkeeper.”
Fortuna with full chapel, SCP has staffing issues
Düsseldorf coach Daniel Thioune gives instructions on the sidelines.
First of all, everyday sporting events take place in the 2nd Bundesliga. And denies it Dusseldorf-Trainer Thioune with full chapel. He was pleased with “19 healthy field players, three healthy goalkeepers”. And added with a little wink: “I can remove someone from the squad. I haven’t been able to do that for a long time. I’m happy that I can make decisions for and against players again.”
Paderborn will continue to be without central defender Visar Musliu, who was suspended for three games following his red card against Fürth at the start of the season. The top performers Robert Leipertz and Raphael Obermair are also missing due to injuries.
Kruse is in rehabilitation training and could possibly get back into it in the course of “next week or two”. There is a question mark over the use of striker Felix Platte (adductor problems).
