FC Kaiserslautern Figure Defends Coach Markus Anfang

1. FC Kaiserslautern have had a tumultuous start to the season, with fluctuating performances leading to growing concerns at Betzenberg.

After a promising start, where the team secured seven points in their first three matches, they have only managed two points from their last five games, leading to a drop in form and rising pressure.

Following a recent 0-1 defeat against SV Elversberg, head coach Markus Anfang has faced increasing criticism. However, sports director Thomas Hengen, who previously played alongside Anfang at Kaiserslautern from July 2002 to January 2004, has publicly backed his coach and instead turned the spotlight on the players, urging them to take greater responsibility.

Hengen Demands Commitment on the Pitch

Hengen stressed that the team’s current crisis lies squarely with the players. “We must approach the pitch with full conviction and sustain that intensity until the final whistle,” he said in an interview with *Rheinpfalz*. “It’s about attitude, mentality, and a willingness to run and fight.”

He also identified a need for improvement in the players’ body language and overall presentation. “It’s about the players doing their job. They need to develop that hunger,” he added firmly.

Anfang on the Team’s Mentality

Coach Anfang echoed similar concerns about the team’s mentality, particularly following their 1-2 defeat in a friendly against SC Freiburg last week. “I believe that mentality shouldn’t even be an issue. If we still have to instill that in the team, then we might have a few players who aren’t the right fit,” he remarked.

Anfang outlined clear expectations for his squad. “When you play football, you need to have the right mentality and push yourself to your limits. A professional is not defined by how much money they earn, but by giving one hundred per cent in every training session and every match,” he emphasised.

Looking ahead to their next fixture against the undefeated SC Paderborn in the 2. Bundesliga, Anfang highlighted the need to apply their training to the match. “It’s not about whether the lads can do it; the question is: can they maintain it for the full 90 minutes?”

Site Opinion

While it’s commendable that Thomas Hengen is standing by his coach, Markus Anfang, the pressure now falls squarely on the players to perform. Hengen’s challenge to the squad to show more hunger and commitment is a clear signal that time for excuses is running out. The Kaiserslautern faithful have seen flashes of potential this season, but consistency is sorely lacking, and the team cannot afford to slip further down the table.

For Anfang, the upcoming fixture against SC Paderborn is crucial. His direct approach in addressing mentality concerns is a positive step, but the results will ultimately dictate his future. If the team fails to show the grit and determination required at this level, both the coach and players may face harsher criticism in the weeks to come.