News Focus
- Greuther Fürth defeated Rot-Weiss Essen 2-1 to retain their 2. Bundesliga status
- Head coach Heiko Vogel paid tribute to the beaten 3. Liga opponents
- Vogel admitted his side benefited from luck during the two-legged playoff
- The 50-year-old backed Essen to secure automatic promotion next term
Heiko Vogel praised Rot-Weiss Essen following Greuther Fürth’s narrow escape from relegation. The Bavarian club preserved their second-tier status thanks to a 2-1 triumph in the decisive playoff clash.
The Fürth boss showed class in victory by highlighting the quality of their third-tier opponents. He acknowledged that relegation playoffs create drama for fans but bring misery to the competing teams.
“These fixtures entertain the public and the press,” Vogel explained. “Yet they are brutal for the clubs. One team must face the agony of defeat.”
The coach confessed he had dreaded facing Essen in this tie. He cited the intense atmosphere at their ground and recalled his team’s 1-0 loss in the away leg.
Vogel stressed that fortune plays a major role in such tight contests. He pointed out that his players struck the crossbar in both the home and away fixtures.
The 50-year-old believes Essen possess the quality for an immediate return to the second tier. He forecast that they will achieve direct promotion next season without needing the playoffs.
“Essen played brilliantly, which makes this outcome harsh on them,” Vogel stated. “I am therefore very proud of my squad for overcoming this challenge, even with some luck involved.”
He finished by sending his best wishes to the Essen camp. He expressed confidence that they will not require the playoff route again if they replicate this campaign’s displays.