Three jokers scored in the highest away win in the club's history in League Two and got 1. FC Magdeburg off to a furious start. The 4-0 win at 1. FC Nürnberg left world champion Miroslav Klose in need of an explanation as club coach, but FCM coach Christian Titz can breathe a sigh of relief after the mega upset. "It's good and important that we were able to collect a lot of points - if we look at the home games, we even dropped some," said the 53-year-old Titz critically, despite having nine departures and eleven new arrivals.
Even the loss of playmaker and top scorer Baris Atik could be compensated for. First Xavier Amaechi (24th minute) put Magdeburg ahead, then Livan Burcu (65th), Alexander Nollenberger (84th) and Philipp Hercher (90th +2), who all came on as substitutes, added to the final score in front of 31,581 spectators at the Max Morlock Stadium.
New additions work immediately
In fact, Magdeburg picked up six of their eight points away from home and scored seven of their nine goals there. In the previous season, FCM also had eight points, but with a weaker goal difference. Overall, the new squad looks more balanced and of better quality. New additions such as striker Martijn Kaars (three goals, one assist) and Lusomba Musonda (three assists) on the wing have made an immediate impact. Marcus Mathisen has also fitted in immediately in central defence, taking on a leadership role and pushing the established Tobias Müller to the bench.
Even the additions from the third division have enriched the squad: Livan Burcu scored his first goal against Nuremberg and Abu-Bekir El-Zein is stabilizing the midfield as a ball carrier. "I'm proud of the team, everyone gave one hundred percent," said Burcu and added: "We have a coach who is very focused on soccer, always wants to keep playing soccer, always wants to go for the next goal. And of course that makes soccer more fun."
Leaves of regular players absorbed
Despite the departures of regular players such as Luca Schuler (Hertha BSC), Daniel Elfadli (Hamburger SV) and Amara Condé (SC Heerenveen), Magdeburg continue to play Titz's system as if nothing had changed - only more successfully. However, shortcomings remain in the exploitation of chances, especially in the home games, and the coolness in defense.
The FCM must work on these points during the international break - also to prevent a repeat of the embarrassing cup defeat in Offenbach. The processes should also be consolidated during the Elbe city team's test match against third-division side Osnabrück on September 5. Despite a great start, FCM are warned: Last year, five unbeaten games at the start of the season were followed by eight games without a win and a drop to 14th place.
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