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Before the relegation showdown in the Bundesliga, Markus Weinzierl and his coaching colleague Florian Kohfeldt agreed on one thing: The direct duel for possible early rescue would be a "nerve game".

But after a spring to forget, Weinzierls Augsburger and the guests from Bremen around Coach Kohfeldt have the chance of a happy ending on Saturday (3.30 p.m. / Sky).

The basement rivals 1. FC Köln, on the other hand, are threatened with a crash - and Arminia Bielefeld could also slip deep.

Hertha BSC, on the other hand, is largely rid of the greatest worries.

In the event of a defeat at the surprisingly formidable Hertha in Berlin, the relegation of Cologne could theoretically be determined this weekend, one matchday before the end.

But coach Friedhelm Funkel does not believe in that.

“There should be a lot of negative things coming together,” he said.

Funkel will have to do without his captain, whether the tear wound on Jonas Hector's leg will allow an operation is very questionable.

Ultimately, however, it does not matter who is on the field on Saturday.

“Everyone has to run until they can no longer.

The team knows that, ”said Funkel.

Markus Weinzierl already managed the rescue with the FCA in 2013

Source: dpa / Tom Weller

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FC Augsburg is in a better starting position.

Table 14 is separated by four points.

from Cologne on the penultimate rank and the associated direct relegation.

Augsburg have relegation in their own hands and accordingly want to go confidently into the Bremen game.

“We have no worries.

I see it as a match point, ”said Weinzierl on Thursday.

The returnees who have been brought in as rescuers do not want to speculate on other games - even if they catch themselves sometimes looking "to the left and right".

“First and foremost, we really look to ourselves.

If we win, then the others can do what they want. "

Shortly before the end, everything is still open

If the FCA wins, then they can no longer slip to a relegation rank, but a defeat could have fatal consequences for Weinzierl's rescue mission. Then the last staggering Augsburg would be facing a final at the German champions FC Bayern. And Munich are unlikely to give their rivals from the same state victory in the farewell game for coach Hansi Flick and some players. But it doesn't have to be a win against Bremen under all circumstances. If Bielefeld loses and Cologne does not win, either a draw would be enough for Augsburg to save de facto, or a win for Bremen.

The starting position for Bremen is much worse.

The worst case for Werder is a defeat in Augsburg and at the same time a victory for FC and a point win for Arminia - then Bremen would be penultimate.

There are many “if-then” scenarios that arise in the relegation battle this year.

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The prospect of possible relegation scenarios should not paralyze the North Germans, nor should the terrible record of only one point from eight league games, says coach Kohfeldt.

“Even if we haven't won in a long time, the team feels good,” he said.

The return of the most recently injured defenders Ömer Toprak and Marco Friedl also spreads optimism.

Whether Toprak can be back in the starting line-up is an open question.

"We have to do everything to win this game", underlined Coach Kohfeldt and announced: "Ömer will be ready to go to the limit."

Ömer Toprak is again an option in the game against Augsburg

Source: dpa / Tom Weller

Both Augsburg and Bremen rely on the experience of similar situations in the Bundesliga.

Werder only saved themselves last year in the relegation against Heidenheim.

"We know how we passed it back then," reported Kohfeldt.

"But there is no guarantee." Augsburg won in the first Weinzierl year 2013 on the last match day against Fürth.

The coach said: "I can remember that the team from FC Augsburg was always there when it came to anything."

Cologne has found its new coach - regardless of the league

The worst cards in the relegation battle are without question 1. FC Köln.

But the course for the future on the Rhine has also been set for the second division.

Still Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart will train the billy goats in the coming season.

No matter whether in the upper or lower house.

The club announced this during the week.

A decision that interim coach Friedhelm Funkel also welcomed.

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“This is a very good decision for 1. FC Köln.

Steffen Baumgart is on the way to becoming a very good trainer.

In Paderborn he made a lot out of almost nothing, ”said the current Cologne coach.

Steffen Baumgart will take over the coaching position in Cologne from the coming season

Source: dpa / Marius Becker

The new coach will also take on a team he can work well with, added Funkel.

"I think that the decision was also very well received by the team," said the 67-year-old, who still knows Baumgart as a player from Rostock's times.

Augsburg's contracts also apply to the 2nd division

In any case, FC Augsburg does not have to fear a breakup of the team in the event of a relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga.

Managing director Stefan Reuter told the “Augsburger Allgemeine” on Friday: “At FC Augsburg, every player has a contract for the first and second division.

Each with adapted conditions.

It has always been like this and it will stay that way. ”With such a scenario,“ I'm not currently dealing with anything at all, ”claimed Reuter.

"I am convinced that we have the quality to master it."

Perseverance slogans that are currently firing those responsible from every club out of the table basement. But it is clear that at least one of them has to make it into the second division. Maybe on Saturday.