Reuter and Niederlechner discuss Iago's ejection and Berisha's performance
FC Augsburg essentially had it all seen up against RB Leipzig at home on Saturday after securing a 3-0 lead with less than half an hour to play. Unfortunately, a sending off for defender Iago just moments after the third goal left them shorthanded for the duration.
After Leipzig fought back to capture a 3-3 draw, FCA striker Florian Niederlechner and club sporting director Stefan Reuter shared their thoughts with the Sky microphones.
Niederlechner had some choice words for his teammate. Reuter expressed his displeasure, but also praised the team and reserved some special plaudits for Mërgim Berisha.
The heartbreaking drop of three points against one to the Bundesliga's top-four sides on Saturday afternoon was sure to provoke some frustration in Germany's Fuggerstadt. FC Augsburg had yet another victory over one of German football's most expensive squads completely within their hands in the 64th.
After Leipzig fought back to capture a 3-3 draw, FCA striker Florian Niederlechner and club sporting director Stefan Reuter shared their thoughts with the Sky microphones.
Niederlechner had some choice words for his teammate. Reuter expressed his displeasure, but also praised the team and reserved some special plaudits for Mërgim Berisha.
Shortly thereafter, however, Brazilian defender Iago lost his cool. The FCA fullback took Leipzig's Xaver Schlager off his feet, then charged at the Austrian a few seconds later. More disciplinary problems involving Augsburg. Match official Robert Schröder had little choice but to dole out two yellows, one for the foul and the other for the post-foul push.
"We had the game under control until the yellows," a frustrated Florian Niederlechner griped into the Sky mic during his post-match interview, "The scenes speak for themselves. That was obviously bloody hell stupid. We have to address that internally because that was the action that cost us the game."
Niederlechner tempered matters a bit after realizing that he had called out his teammate.
"Of course, he [Iago] already knows that," Niederlechner continued, "I forgive him for that, but I'm emotional at the moment. This is an action that simply must not happen. From that point on, we had no chance. We had an English week, so of course they [Leipzig] brought in caliber players like Nkunku and Olmo. To be honest, you have to say: If it takes five minutes longer, we might still lose."
FCA managing director Stefan Reuter also leveled his criticism.
"When you lead 3-0 it's clear: Leipzig only has a chance if they provoke and get us out of our rhythm," Stefan Reuter noted in his post-match interview after the game. "So stick to your game, keep doing what the plan is, because that worked great. But when you're outnumbered - of course they have extremely high quality and playing strength - it's going to be hard. That's why this must not happen."
Reuter still found time to praise his team, and particularly German striker Mërgim Berisha, regardless. Berisha was involved in all three FCA goals, converting one from the spot and registering two assists by setting up the others. Those German football watchers who think Berisha potentially fit for Hansi Flick's World Cup side are sure to get more company on their bandwagon soon.
"The way our team has performed in recent weeks is sensational," Reuter said, "Berisha has exceptional quality, contributes very well to the team, makes super assists, and takes set-pieces extremely well. He's an extremely important player for the team."