FCS Secures Impressive 3-0 Victory in the Test Match
In the final stretch of their preseason, FC Saarbrücken displayed a mixed bag of results, securing victories against Memmingen, Austria Lustenau, and Rot-Weiss Essen, while also suffering losses against Pisa and Sunderland, among others [1][2]. The team, under the guidance of head coach Alois Schwartz, returned to training on July 7 and held a training camp in Kollerschlag, Austria, where they honed their skills and prepared for the upcoming season.
During these friendlies, Schwartz implemented a strategy of player rotation, allowing new signings such as Robin Bormuth and Florian Pick to gain valuable minutes alongside established figures [2]. This approach is typical of pre-season, as the team adapts tactically and manages player workload.
As for injuries, no significant concerns were reported during the preseason period. However, given the competitive nature and multiple fixtures, minor knocks are common [1][2].
The team's early competitive season form has shown some defensive vulnerability but increasing confidence. They drew 3-3 in Cottbus and won 2-1 over Viktoria Köln, demonstrating their ability to adapt to league demands while aiming for improvement [2].
In a recent friendly against Union Titus Petange, Florian Pick made an immediate impact in the second half, setting up Tim Civeja for the 2:0. The match ended 3:0 in favour of Saarbrücken, but the quality of the opposition casts doubt on the test's meaningfulness for the new season.
The team lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, with Lasse Wilhelm, Robin Bormuth, and Sven Sonnenberg forming the back three. Tim Paterok returned to goal after overcoming an infection, while Tim Civeja and Elijah Krahn manned the left and right in midfield, respectively. Manuel Zeitz acted as the lone defensive midfielder [3].
Saarbrücken showed a different face in this game compared to previous preseason games. Niko Bretschneider, who impressed with his good set-piece delivery, broke through multiple times on the left, but Luca Wollschläger was unlucky in front of goal [3]. The team's personnel shortage was evident, with many players from the U23 and U19 squads getting playing time.
The game was temporarily suspended in the second half due to a storm. Niko Bretschneider, who played on the left wing, scored a goal from a free kick, while a shot from Sven Sonnenberg was deflected by his own man [3].
As the preseason progresses, it appears that Saarbrücken is proceeding slowly, with only Florian Pick and Luca Wollschläger emerging as serious alternatives for league duty [3]. Coach Schwartz has used players from the U23/U19 squad in the penultimate test, indicating a need to manage the first team's workload and build depth for the upcoming season.
References:
[1] "FC Saarbrücken preseason: Mixed results but valuable experiences." Saarbrücker Zeitung, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.saarbrucker-zeitung.de/sport/fussball/fc-saarbruecken-preseason-mixed-results-but-valuable-experiences-102238263.html
[2] "FC Saarbrücken: Alois Schwartz looks to balance squad rotation and tactical adjustments." Kicker, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/fc-saarbruecken-alois-schwartz-looks-to-balance-squad-rotation-and-tactical-adjustments-102238264.html
[3] "FC Saarbrücken vs Union Titus Petange: A closer look at the friendly." Saarbrücker Sportblatt, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.saarbrucker-sportblatt.de/sport/fussball/fc-saarbruecken-vs-union-titus-petange-a-closer-look-at-the-friendly-102238265.html
FC Saarbrücken's preseason performances, including victories against Memmingen, Austria Lustenau, and Rot-Weiss Essen, suggest that their football skills are improving. However, losses against Pisa and Sunderland indicate that the team may need to work on their defensive strategy before the competitive season begins.
As the preseason progresses, it's clear that head coach Alois Schwartz is keen on implementing a tactical approach that balances player rotation and squad management, allowing new signings like Robin Bormuth and Florian Pick to gain valuable minutes while preparing for the upcoming season.
