Pressure Mounts in Nuremberg: Klose Relies on Mathenia in Net - Nuremberg under strain: Klose selects Mathenia as their goalkeeper
In the upcoming DFB-Pokal first round match, 1.FC Nuremberg, coached by Miroslav Klose, will face FV Illertissen at the Vöhlin Stadium on Saturday. This encounter presents an opportunity for redemption for the Bavarian club, following their early exit in the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal[1][4].
Miroslav Klose, the former German international striker, has named Christian Mathenia, a 33-year-old goalkeeper, to start in goal for the match. Mathenia, who also started in goal for Nuremberg in the previous DFB-Pokal season, has impressed in training sessions, according to Klose.
However, the search results do not provide specific information on Mathenia's individual contributions or impact on the team's gameplay during the DFB-Pokals campaign or the current season under Klose. Mathenia's role is primarily focused on defensive stability, but the team's early cup exit suggests they conceded goals that led to elimination.
Nuremberg is currently under pressure to succeed, having lost their first two 2. Bundesliga matches. Henri Koudossou, a 25-year-old on loan from Augsburg, is set to make his debut for the club in this crucial match.
Klose has emphasized the importance of a quick reaction if Nuremberg loses the ball, highlighting Illertissen's strengths in transition play. He also expects Nuremberg to take the initiative in the Bavarian derby.
The match will be broadcast on Sky, giving football fans the chance to watch the action unfold. Last season, Nuremberg was eliminated in the first round of the DFB-Pokal after a penalty shootout loss to FV Illertissen (3-3 in regular and extra time, 5-6 on penalties) on August 16, 2025[1][4].
Meanwhile, Jan Reichert, a 24-year-old goalkeeper, remains the first-choice goalkeeper for 1.FC Nuremberg. Despite this, Mathenia's selection for the DFB-Pokal match indicates that Klose is willing to make changes in the hope of securing a win.
As the team prepares for this crucial match, the pressure is on Nuremberg to perform and make amends for their disappointing exit last season. The DFB-Pokal offers a chance for redemption, and Klose and his players will be hoping to make the most of it.
[1] DFB-Pokal 2025/26: 1.FC Nuremberg eliminated in the first round [4] Nuremberg's DFB-Pokal exit: A disappointing start for Miroslav Klose
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