Deep in the relegation battle, two head injuries in one week and now angry fans: The horror weeks for Arminia Bielefeld continue.
The 0: 4 debacle at VfL Wolfsburg was the sporting oath of disclosure and then caused heated discussions between angry fans and the players. “You can only agree with the accusation that the team didn’t fight back enough,” admitted even coach Frank Kramer, who was criticized by the fans. “You have to face the criticism. It’s the most normal thing in the world.”
“We need every point”
In Bielefeld there is little to think about normality. After just one point from seven league games, the club fell to 16th place, level on points with Hertha BSC in 17th place. And Bayern Munich will be coming to the Alm in a week. “We have to run for our lives in every game now,” demanded the captain Manuel Prietl. “If we want to stay in the league, we need every point.”
And every player. Like last weekend with Arminia striker Fabian Klos, who sustained a serious injury, this time Cedric Brunner had to go to the hospital with a head injury. The defender from Switzerland was briefly motionless after a collision with Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind and an unfortunate impact on the ground. “It does something to you when you see that a teammate loses consciousness on the pitch,” said Prietl.
“No serious head injury” at Brunner
After all, after the game at Brunner, the all-clear was given for the time being. “No serious head injury,” said the East Westphalians. Even if the situation in the league is dramatic, this news was more important to Kramer than points or goals. “Celi is responsive and conscious,” said the 49-year-old. “We hope he’ll be back to normal very soon.” To make matters worse, Arminia had to end the encounter with nine professionals on Saturday. Kramer had already exhausted the substitution quota, then Florian Krüger and Robin Hack limped off the pitch. “We’re currently taking everything with us,” said Kramer.
The Arminia coach does not want to accept that as an excuse. According to Kramer, he is partly to blame for the discouraged and desolate appearance. “I have to look at my own nose, too,” he said. He is currently backed by management. Further defeats could possibly encourage those responsible to rethink.
Hope in East Westphalia is fading. A goal conceded by Wolfsburg, who had also been injured beforehand, and Bielefeld broke up. “It was a blow to the neck,” explained Kramer. “We have to move even closer together now,” demanded Prietl. With loud “We want to see you fight”, the Arminia fans sent the pros into the dressing room on Saturday. Ironically, against champion FC Bayern Munich, the turning point should follow.