FCM before the cup duel: Interim coach Sander talks about Illertissen!

FCM before the cup duel: Interim coach Sander talks about Illertissen!

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 1. FC Magdeburg will hold a press conference in advance of the DFB Cup game against FV Illertissen. Interim coach Petrik Sander will not only comment on the upcoming opponent, but also answer numerous questions from media representatives. It is a crucial encounter for Magdeburg, especially given the injured players, including Samuel Loric, Tarek Chahed and Mateusz Zukowski. Jean Hugonet tore the medial ligament in his knee in the last home game against Münster and is expected to be out for six weeks. These failures make it even more difficult for the team to survive against Illertissen.

Sander highlights the challenges of the cup game and emphasizes his team's determination to overcome this hurdle. The game will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Vöhlinstadion in Illertissen. Expectations are high: over 4,000 spectators are expected at the game, including 1,547 fans of 1. FC Magdeburg. Advance sales of guest tickets were stopped on Monday and a box office will not be available on site. Further information about arrival can be found on the “On-Tour” website.

Injuries and the impact on the team

The list of injured players is worrying and could impact the team's performance. The national coach Julian Nagelsmann was also unable to rely on a full team for the last games against Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Players like Marc-André ter Stegen and Jamal Musiala will not be able to return in October. Ter Stegen is fighting for his playing time at FC Barcelona after back surgery, while Musiala is recovering from a broken fibula - both of which show how injury-prone even national players can be.

Oliver Baumann will remain Germany's number one goalkeeper until 2025, while other players like Kai Havertz are hoping for a comeback. Such developments often lead to major challenges for coaches and present teams with an immense task of replacing their best players due to numerous injuries. The situation could become a problem for many teams, so it is important to have a wide squad.

Stations of the game and fan support

The upcoming cup game will be a highlight in the calendar for the Magdeburg fans. Over 1547 supporters came out to support their team. The focus is also on the atmosphere in the stadium, which could become an emotional experience, not least because of the numerous fans traveling with you. A football game is not just what happens on the pitch, moments of happiness and the support of the fans contribute significantly to the motivation of the players.

The anticipation for the DFB Cup game is great, and Petrik Sander and the team will do everything in their power not to disappoint the fans. Everyone is looking forward to Wednesday with excitement, when it will finally be said again: “Let’s go, FCM!”

In summary, the current situation for 1. FC Magdeburg is challenging, but with the will and support of the local supporters, a lot could be achieved. The team will have to pull together, especially in such difficult times, to defy the challenges in the cup.