Augsburg bemoan “overthinking” and “lack of fighting spirit” after seventh game without a win

FC Augsburg's winless run in Bundesliga extended to seven games after their 5-2 defeat in Leipzig. Despite scoring at the start and end of the game, the visitors were second best in every metrics to the team yet to drop points in front of their supporters.

“We started the game well and had enough counter-attacking opportunities to add a second goal,” Manuel Baum started his assessment with a positive remark. “We're currently being too careless with these chances and, on the other hand, conceding goals too easily. 

“Especially after the break, I felt we were on top, but then we made it too easy for Leipzig again. We mustn't overreact to the current situation, but we also shouldn't sugarcoat it. We need to keep scoring goals, reduce the number of goals we concede, and get rid of this overthinking."

The 35-year-old defender Jeffrey Gouweleeuw shared his coach's message. “We started the game well, and taking the lead should have given us a good feeling. After that, however, we made it too easy for Leipzig and had major problems, especially down our right flank. If we're not compact and don't open up spaces, it's very difficult against a team of this quality. 

“Overall, we weren't good enough today. We're currently going through a rough patch and need to show more fighting spirit and defend more consistently. Now we need to focus on ourselves, stay focused, and get out of this together."

Augsburg are winless in Bundesliga since starting the season by climbing to the top of the league for the first time in their history. They will host Mainz when the league returns after the international break. Baum has spent some time with RB Leipzig's academy before rejoining Augsburg.