Nurnberg kick off pre-season with emphatic 5-1 win over Ansbach

Nurnberg began their pre-season preparations with a commanding 5-1 victory over Regionalliga side SpVgg Ansbach on Saturday. Miroslav Klose’s side maintained their strong start to the summer, following up Wednesday’s 10-0 thrashing of Bayernliga outfit TSV Kornburg.

Nurnberg struck early through Piet Scobel (6.), Eric Porstner (42.) and Rafael Lubach (45.+3) before the break, with Sigurd Haugen converting a penalty (52.) and Mohamed Al Zoma adding a late finish (86.). Ansbach pulled one back through Ken Mata (17.).

"We draw our conclusions" – Klose dissects the display

Miroslav Klose, in charge since the close-season, highlighted the contrasting phases of the match. "In the first half we waited for their mistakes while Ansbach played very offensively, so we had to take the tough routes," the coach explained. In the second period, Nurnberg took control and showed more dominance.

"Overall another very good test for us that we’ll analyse and draw conclusions from," Klose said. The club were also forced to do without new signing Fynn Otto, who missed out with muscular problems.

Ansbach impress despite defeat – Nurnberg stay on track

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Ansbach showed spirit in patches. Adam Markhiev, a key figure for Nurnberg, praised the hosts’ efforts: "You could tell Ansbach were a step ahead of us in pre-season and they did really well." Yet Nurnberg stuck to their game plan and secured the win.

"All in all it was a good and positive test for us," Markhiev said. "I was also happy to be back on the pitch again."

Next steps: Waldhof Mannheim and South Tyrol camp

After Saturday’s second friendly, Nurnberg travel to third-tier SV Waldhof Mannheim next Saturday. From July 19 to 26, the squad head to a training camp in South Tyrol. The new 2. Bundesliga season kicks off for the Franconians on August 9 at 13:30 against Dynamo Dresden at home.