Saarbrücken – With third place in the table, 1. FC Saarbrücken looks good at first glance, but appearances are deceptive. After yesterday's 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund's second team, the discontent in those around them continues to grow because the team is taking a stand and, as in the previous season, is threatening to gamble away promotion through too many draws. In the last five games, the Blue Blacks drew four times with their opponents. The top of the table is moving away: leader Dynamo Dresden is already six points ahead, second-placed Energie Cottbus is five points ahead – and Arminia Bielefeld could even push Saarbrücken out of third place with a win today.
One reason for this: acute problems on the offensive. While the FCS already scored 32 goals in the previous season after the first half of the season, there are currently only 24. Striker Patrick Schmidt is struggling with his form after breaking his leg and missed the last five league games with a torn muscle fiber. Amine Naifi, who is in good form, has to give up the rest of the season after tearing his cruciate ligament and the hope of local hero Sebastian Jacob's return ended tragically: the long-time hopeful announced the end of his career in tears last week.
Coach Rüdiger Ziehl caused additional trouble in the last game against Dortmund: To make matters worse, the last remaining attacking hope, Kai Brünker, was canceled for this game. However, instead of giving the Italian offensive talent Jacobo Sardo a chance, he – much to the surprise of all FCS fans – deployed his defender Lasse Wilhelm in the offensive center. The 20-year-old came for Tim Civeja and was supposed to revive the Blue Blacks' offensive efforts, which had been more than meager until then. Hope remained.
Sardo, considered one of Italy's greatest talents, wasn't even called up to the squad. According to rumors, the 19-year-old has offers from higher leagues, but he will still fulfill his contract with the Saar, which speaks for the player. The fans definitely want to see more from Sardo, but why the “coach” Ziehl completely ignores the Italian youth international remains a mystery.
With 19 games left, the season is far from over, but the alarm bells are ringing. Promotion, the declared goal, will become a long way off if 1. FC Saarbrücken does not correct its weaknesses in the offensive as quickly as possible. To do this, the market must be explored during the winter break. Maybe Ziehl will also consider giving Talent Sardo a chance. Subscribe to the Blue Light Report Saarland WhatsApp channel NOW and ALWAYS stay up to date directly (click here)
