Jess Thorup has big plans for FC Augsburg. The new trainer comes from Denmark with experience and charm. Thorup wants to instill self-confidence back into the FCA and doesn’t just want to use his social skills.
Jess Thorup bravely approached his new chapter in Augsburg. “Hello, I will do the press conference in German”, were his first words to the press. The Danish coach, who succeeds the dismissed Enrico Maaßen, used his previous knowledge of German and was in the mood for one or two jokes. When it came to the vision for FC Augsburg, however, he quickly became serious again.
Thorup with big FCA ambitions: “Like a family”
“Augsburg has high ambitions. I have the feeling it’s almost like a family here”said Thorup, who will be boss at FC Copenhagen until September 2022coach was active: “You want to work with young players and at the same time we have to win in the short term to get as high as possible in the table. I see a lot of potential in Augsburg, that’s why I came here.”
Thorup already gained experience as a player in German-speaking countries. At KFC Uerdingen, the former striker scored three goals in 39 second division games. He was also active at FC Tirol in Austria. In Augsburg he already knows the two Danish defenders Frederik Winther and Mads Pedersen as well as vice-captain Niklas Dorsch, “who I brought to KAA Genk”.
One-year break: “Suddenly a little man”
Overall, Thorup has “over 30 years in a row” worked as a player and coach in football, including in Copenhagen, Midtjylland, Genk and Ghent. The time off in Copenhagen a year ago particularly moved him emotionally. “FC Copenhagen and the national team is the greatest thing as a coach in Denmark”Denmark’s 2013 Coach of the Year said: “As a coach you believe that you are important. And then suddenly you are a little man, that’s football and I know that.”
Afterwards, Thorup, who has been working as a coach since 2007 and won the Danish championship once with Copenhagen and FC Midtjylland, consciously sought some distance from the professional business. At the same time, however, he also got himself “Inspiration from other colleagues”. Among other things, he paid a visit to Alexander Zorniger at SpVgg Greuther Fürth and the Danish national player Yussuf Poulsen at RB Leipzig.
Thorup: Augsburg is missing “Self-confidence”
During his introduction, the 53-year-old appeared determined and hopeful. He now wants to go to Augsburg “build a foundation and then improve”. At the moment it is lacking team at “Confidence, but the most important thing is potential. And I see that in the club and in the individual players.” Sports director Marinko Jurendic emphasized this “Experience at its best level“that Thorup brought with him. “He showed that he teams to success and can lead young players to debuts and international careers.” Also important: According to Jurendic, FCA does not have to transfer any transfer fees to Copenhagen.
The Augsburg officials spoke to Thorup on the phone for the first time on Wednesday, and the decision was made at the weekend to sign him as the new head coach. Thorup now wants to have personal conversations “the person behind the player” Gain trust. “I believe I can get the best out of every player.”
Data fan and family man
In Midtjylland, Thorup came into intensive contact with the topic of data and analysis – he also wants to bring this to the FCA. “Back then we always worked with data as a second tool. It will stay in football and I like working with it.”
On Tuesday Thorup will have his first session with the team complete. The session at 10.30 a.m. is public and takes place on the training ground at the stadium. The two-time father did not want to reveal which football he wanted to play. “If we talk about football, I would say that you have to be courageous and offensive. But anyone can say that. What is important is what we show on the pitch on Sunday.” Then FC Augsburg plays against 1. FC Heidenheim (from 5.30 p.m. live in the BR24Sport radio report).
In the video: FCA sports director Jurendic about the search for a coach
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio October 16, 2023 – 2:55 p.m
