Trainer spreads good vibes after draw between Aue and Regensburg
On Saturday, FC Erzgebirge Aue fought for an important point against table-toppers Regensburg. This result has raised Aue’s hopes for qualifying for the promotion playoffs.
“Isn’t it funny to say ‘Glück auf’?” grinned Aue’s trainer Pavel Dotchev (58) mischievously, causing a Regensburg journalist to smile. In response to this customary phrase, Jahn Coach Joe Enochs (52) joked, “We say ‘Habe die Ehre’ here.” It was clear that these two understood each other, as so much was at stake in the 90 minutes that preceded their banter.
Regensburg sought to break their series of smaller defeats, while Erzgebirge Aue aimed to add points against a top team to keep their hopes alive for qualification in the promotion playoffs. Ultimately, both teams achieved partial successes with the goalless draw. Dotchev gave his balanced view, “With a bit of luck, you win; with a bit of bad luck, you lose.” He reflected on how Regensburg had successfully adapted their tactics against Aue, “We expected them to press and put pressure on us. The spaces that we usually have in front of the opposition’s backline to play were not there because they stood compactly and waited to see what we would do.”
In his analysis, Dotchev mentioned, “We continually tried to find creative solutions, but eventually, we had to resort to long balls.” One such long ball almost became an opportunity for Marcel Bär (31), who had one of the best chances of the entire match in the middle of the second half. Aside from that, Enochs’ team managed to neutralize Aue’s top scorer.
Resilience and Sportsmanship
There was much talk before the game about bringing the basics onto the pitch. Regensburg demanded that of Aue, and Dotchev’s team was prepared. “We accepted the game with long balls, second balls, and with fighting spirit and passion. That was the crucial thing for me. That’s why we also take the point with us!” As a gracious guest, the experienced football teacher also left a special gift for his counterpart, Enochs. Dotchev said, “I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart. Bring it to a successful end!”
Looking Ahead
This draw against the table-toppers has further brightened Aue’s hopes for the relegation playoff. With 42 points, FC Erzgebirge Aue currently sits in eighth place in the 3. Liga table.
The 3. Liga table:
- SSV Jahn Regensburg – 53 points
- SG Dynamo Dresden – 50 points
- SSV Ulm 1846 – 48 points
- BV Borussia 09 Dortmund II – 45 points
- SC Preußen Münster – 43 points
“The table of the 3. Liga has the following meaning: At the end of the season, the team in first place becomes the third league champion and gets promoted to the 2. Liga. The second-placed team also gets promoted directly. The team in third place plays against the third-to-last team in the 2. Bundesliga for promotion or retaining their place in the league.”
With a successful performance against the league leaders, Aue has demonstrated their competitiveness and fighting spirit, leaving fans hopeful for what lies ahead in the remainder of the season.