Alemannia Aachen is spending the winter break in a relegation spot in the 3rd Division. The fans were furious after the 1-1 draw in Havelse.
Between the 12th and 14th matchdays, Alemannia Aachen celebrated three straight wins in the 3rd Division. It seemed as though the team had finally found its footing for the season.
Just five matchdays later, however, the mood in Aachen has hit rock bottom again. Following the disappointing 1-1 draw against second-to-last TSV Havelse, coach Mersad Selimbegovic’s team has gone five games without a win.
The result: Aachen is spending the winter break in a relegation spot, and the fans are frustrated. Of the 2,400 spectators in Havelse, about 1,500 supported the historic club, but gave free rein to their frustration after the draw. Some supporters tried to storm the field, while others chanted loudly: “We’ve had enough!”
A peaceful Christmas? That’s probably out of the question for Alemannia. A comprehensive analysis seems urgently needed to get to the bottom of the crisis. Given the fans’ reactions, both the players and the coach were understanding after the match.
The fans have every right to be angry. But it will only work if we stick together. If we lose that unity, it will be very, very difficult, because we still have a few more hurdles ahead of us. That’s why it’s important to speak up and seek dialogue
Lars Gindorf
Top scorer Lars Gindorf admitted: “The fans have every right to be angry. But it will only work if we stick together. If we lose that unity, it will be very, very difficult, because we still have a few more hurdles ahead of us. That’s why it’s important to speak up and seek dialogue. Everything’s okay.”
Coach Mersad Selimbegovic also expressed understanding: “It’s human and normal that they’re angry.” At the same time, the coach himself was annoyed—both by his team’s performance and by some questionable calls by the referees. A play leading up to the 0-1 goal from Aachen’s perspective caused particular frustration: Selimbegovic criticized a clear offside position that went uncalled. However, TV footage could not clearly resolve the situation.
“It’s the same story week after week. I’m tired of the referees repeatedly making mistakes at Alemannia Aachen’s expense,” said the exasperated coach on MagentaSport. Alemannia faces a home game against VfL Osnabrück right after the winter break—until then, there’s a lot to work on in Aachen.
