1. FC Nürnberg Continues to Struggle with Defense
1. FC Nürnberg has been struggling with their defense this season, and before their upcoming game against Bielefeld, the question arises again: who will defend at the back left? Jan Gyamerah has been suspended due to his fifth yellow card, leaving coach Dieter Hecking searching for new options to fill the position.
2. New Options for Hecking
Fabian Nürnberger is to remain in midfield, leaving Hecking looking at new options for the defensive position. Although Hecking promised a squad nomination against Braunschweig, he now says that Tim is most likely not an option for Bielefeld.
3. Returnees
Jannes Horn, who has been recovering from a meniscus injury, is also back, but Hecking insists that he needs more time to recover fully. If the returnees are not up to par, there are still two alternative options, namely Nathaniel Brown or veteran Enrico Valentini.
4. Nathaniel Brown’s Debut
Nathaniel Brown has just celebrated his professional debut against Braunschweig, scoring the second goal in injury time. Hecking has said that he would have no problem putting him in the starting eleven at the back left, but there is still a residual risk due to his inexperience.
5. Enrico Valentini’s Experience
The variant with veteran Enrico Valentini seems more likely, as he has experience playing the position several times during his time in Karlsruhe. Although he is a trained right-back, he would have to change sides to fulfill the left-back position.
6. System Changeover
There is still an alternative in which none of the four plays a role. A system changeover to a back three in defense with Schindler, Hübner, and Lawrence could solve the problem on the left, but Hecking does not favor this variant.
As Nürnberg continues to struggle with their defense, coach Hecking looks towards new options and possible system changes to solve the issue. The game against Bielefeld will surely provide more insights into the team’s progress.
