Dynamo tick off promotion: Aue has a new goal

A question of character arises at Dynamo

Dynamo Dresden's torrid 2024 is never-ending. After the 0:1 against SC Verl, the seventh winless game in a row, the Saxons have put promotion on the back burner. Exactly what has been evident since the start of the second half of the season became clear against the East Westphalians. If you concede a goal, your morale is gone. "You could see that some people's heads went down again and nothing worked afterwards," analyzed interim coach Heiko Scholz. Although his charges tried after the break, they lacked the means, the courage and the skill in front of goal.

The fans acknowledged the latest defeat with a resounding whistle as the players lined up in front of them after the final whistle. They were already chanting during the game: "Third division, it hurts so much. Don't give a shit, oh SGD".

Now Dynamo only have one goal left: to reach the first round of the DFB Cup. To be absolutely sure, it would have to be fourth place in the league. Or win the Saxony Cup in the final against FC Erzgebirge Aue. That's why the last three games of the season will be a question of character. "How much will you give for something? Are you already thinking about vacation or are you still busting your ass because you have the opportunity to play soccer in a great stadium and in a great league? Everyone has to decide that for themselves, it's their own responsibility," said midfielder Luca Herrmann. He emphasized that "everyone has to look at themselves and decide how much character they want to show". Scholz also wants to take a close look in training "to see who is still 100 percent there for us. It's also possible that one or two players are already flirting with other clubs. But we have nothing to give up."

Aue focused even without pressure

FC Erzgebirge Aue are keeping their word. Although nothing is at stake for the club in the league, they are approaching the games professionally and could tip the scales in the relegation battle. In any case, they won 1:0 against Arminia Bielefeld in a game with few chances, thus catching up with arch-rivals Dynamo Dresden on points. Goalscorer Marco Schikora, however, is unconcerned. "I don't care whether we're level on points with Dresden or whoever. We have the ambition to win every game and that's also the motto for the remaining two games," he said on MDR.

Coach Pavel Dotchev praised his team for their commitment and attitude. "They didn't do everything right, the error rate was a bit too high for me. But you also have to look at who we were playing against. I ignore the table. Bielefeld are much stronger than the table says." He also expects his players to tackle the last two games with the will to win. "But our personnel situation in attack is already complicated, I lack alternatives," said Dotchev.