‘Challenge’ in Braunschweig for SV Elversberg
SV Elversberg are heading to Eintracht confident following five matches in a row unbeaten – to meet an opponent that has increased its stability but is still awaiting a home win. Manager Vincent Wagner described his team as having to face ‘a decent amount of power’. However, SVE are bringing stability, efficiency and a love a game with them on their trip north – and will be seeking to prevail once again at Eintracht-Stadion.
It has been less then ten months since SV Elversberg defeated Eintracht Braunschweig 3:0 on the 33rd day of play last season, putting a major dampener on their opponent’s battle to avoid relegation. Fisnik Asllani and Muhammed Damar scored early goals, Elversberg dominated, and Braunschweig appeared dismayed. This Saturday, over a third of a year later, the two clubs are meeting once again – this time in a different context. The match in Lower Saxony is not a must-win to mark the end of an exhausting season, but rather a surprising stocktake early on. And for Elversberg, it represents the next yardstick for a team that has remained firmly on track despite much upheaval.
As always, Vincent Wagner was matter-of-fact but respectful:
Playing in Braunschweig is a challenge. We always face a decent amount of power.
SVE’s manager knows that in their upcoming away game, his team will be up against a mature unit that has gained considerable stability under new manager Heiner Backhaus. The cup match against VfB Stuttgart in particular provided early evidence of Braunschweig’s development. Although Eintracht were unlucky in the penalty shootout, before that they had spent 120 minutes passionately giving as good as they got against their Bundesliga opponent. Wagner saw the match for what it was: ‘They played good football and scored some great goals.’
The fact that Braunschweig have failed to chalk up a Liga win so far changes little about this sporting assessment: the team seem significantly better established than they did last season, when they only managed to stay in the division by winning the relegation playoff. Elversberg therefore have significant respect for their hosts. Dangerous counter-attacks, dangerous set pieces, and intense atmosphere – Vincent Wagner has put his finger on the critical points. This means that, as is so often the case, the team will be focusing on their own play.
This is because, over the last few weeks, SVE have put themselves in a second-division position that should not be taken for granted: ten points from five matches including late goals against Dresden, Kaiserslautern and Nürnberg, a solid game plan that has endured despite the change of manager, and a squad that has quickly been able to compensate amazingly quickly for the departure of some key performers. One asset has been the team’s attitude to work during the training week before the matches: ‘Our boys have worked extremely well and hard during this brief week. We are looking forward to the match.’
There are three main areas that underscore Elversberg‘s current stability. First up: versatile attacking. Elversberg have created twelve major opportunities so far, putting them at the top of the league in this category. Only Holstein Kiel have come anywhere close. Second: efficiency with stationary balls. A third of the goals scored so far this season have come from set pieces – another pack-leading result. Third: mental resilience. Elversberg have scored three times in stoppage time after the second half to secure valuable points.
However, not all that statistically glitters is gold. SVE are second bottom in the division when it comes to running distance. However, rather than representing a weakness, this could instead be interpreted as evidence of controlled play. This is because Elversberg are top of the pile when it comes to ball possession: an average of 56 percent ball control per match attests to structure, calm and targeted changes of pace.
Their opponent’s manager Heiner Backhaus has a similar view.
What Elversberg are achieving is truly remarkable. They have lost many quality players, but have kept the same processes.
He had a nuanced analysis, despite naturally focusing on his team’s home advantage: ‘We think that with the fans behind us, we have an opportunity to win some points.’
For Elversberg, heading to Braunschweig now offers an opportunity to chalk up their sixth undefeated official game in a row and reinforce their position at the top end of the division. Whilst Braunschweig have now gone three matches without a win, the Saarland team’s trend is heading in a different direction.
In Braunschweig, the team will once again be facing what is likely to be a physically and emotionally demanding match. This is an area that did not seem to particularly be part of Elversberg’s DNA last season, but is now increasingly becoming a matter of course. Recent weeks have shown that SVE can rely on their own play, as well as being able to respond to changes during the game. SVE’s performance so far this season has also been marked by mature play, flexible tactics and increasing confidence.
Their performances thus far have been convincing and this Saturday could mark the next. They are heading in with tried-and-tested methods, plus the knowledge that a match in Lower Saxony could be more than just another away game – it could represent a stepping stone en route to their next acid test.