The Nuremberg winter break will definitely not be carefree. In the annual final against Paderborn, it's about whether the Franconian interim report says "inadequate" or "inadequate".
Nuremberg (dpa / lby) - "Club" trainer Markus Weinzierl has a clear view of the line that separates the relegation zones from the safe table zone. "You look at the line. If we win, we're above the line," said the football teacher of 1. FC Nürnberg before the end of the year on Sunday (1.30 p.m.) against SC Paderborn. In order to make the leap over the targeted line, the Franconians need a massive increase in performance.
The penultimate table has been waiting for a win for four league games. Instead of playing for promotion, there is a risk of going into the 3rd division. "Psychologically it would be more pleasant if we got the three points and were above the line," said Weinzierl. It is important to go into the winter break with a positive feeling. "It's about reaching the limit together and banging out everything again," appealed the 47-year-old to his team.
The people of Nuremberg haven't reached their limit for a long time. After all: The 1:1 in Rostock was a small glimmer of hope in the autumn crisis, even if the desired sense of achievement did not materialize. "From my point of view, it was progress in terms of the toughness of the duel and the emotionality. That's the least we have to bring to the pitch on Sunday," demanded goalkeeper Christian Mathenia.
In Paderborn, a team travels to the Max Morlock Stadium that is well ahead of the "Club" in the table, but gives a similar picture of horror in terms of play. The guests, who started the season furiously, have been waiting for a win in the league since mid-October. "I have to put that into perspective a bit. They lost at home to Hamburg, then lost in Heidenheim. These are two top teams," said Weinzierl and warned of the offensive power of the guests.
Midfielder Fabian Nürnberger will miss the "Club" with a yellow card suspension. Attacker Felix Lohkemper is in danger of failing due to muscular problems. Otherwise, a few players complain about "normal ailments in an English week," reported Weinzierl.
