Fortuna Düsseldorf: Markus Anfang’s Tough Start | Sport News

Fortuna Düsseldorf‘s Promotion Hopes Dim After Braunschweig Defeat, Managerial Change Fails to Spark Turnaround

A disastrous performance against Braunschweig has plunged Fortuna Düsseldorf into a relegation battle, casting serious doubt on their pre-season ambition of promotion to the Bundesliga. The recent managerial switch has so far failed to yield any positive results, leaving the club in 14th place and facing an uphill struggle.

Düsseldorf entered the season wiht aspirations of climbing to the top tier of German football. however, a 2-1 loss (0-2 at halftime) to braunschweig on October 16, 2025, before a crowd of 31,188 fans, has dramatically altered the club’s trajectory. The team now finds itself focused on avoiding relegation from the 2. Liga.

Managerial Change Yields No Immediate Impact

Just ten days prior, the club replaced Daniel Thioune with Markus Anfang, hoping to revitalize the team. However, the change has proven ineffective, with Anfang experiencing a difficult debut. The team appeared wholly lacking in confidence, and young Luca Raimund struggled in his first appearance in the second division.

While Raimund’s inexperience might be understandable, the performance of captain Florian Kastenmeier was especially concerning. “the team looked completely unsettled,” a source close to the club stated. Kastenmeier, typically a reliable presence, was far from his best, committing a costly 50-meter mispass that nearly resulted in an immediate goal for Braunschweig.

Did you know? – Markus Anfang was previously manager of Darmstadt 98, achieving promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 2021. His appointment was seen as a coup for Düsseldorf at the time.

Defensive Errors Prove Decisive

Braunschweig capitalized on Düsseldorf’s vulnerabilities, securing a deserved 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. The goal, effectively an own goal by Kastenmeier, came after he deflected a shot from Joe Conteh into his own net.Max Marie extended Braunschweig’s advantage to 2-0 in the 40th minute, with Kastenmeier again implicated, though the defense was also criticized for poor positioning.

“We invited them to score,” Anfang admitted after the match. “We need to talk to the players about that.”

Pro tip: – When a team makes a managerial change mid-season, it often takes several matches for the new tactics and philosophy to fully integrate. Patience is key.

Late Goal Offers Little Consolation

A goal from Kenneth Schmidt, assisted by Rasmussen, provided a glimmer of hope after halftime. Rasmussen, who was the best player on the pitch for Düsseldorf, sparked a brief period of increased intensity. However, the comeback proved too late to salvage the game. Düsseldorf has now secured only one point from their last five home matches.

Table Position Worsens

Braunschweig’s victory propelled them above Düsseldorf in the league standings. While four other teams remain below Düsseldorf, the situation is precarious. The club must quickly address its shortcomings before their upcoming match aga

Reader question: – Do you think a change in formation could help Düsseldorf address their defensive issues,or is the problem more about individual player performance?

Why did it end? Düsseldorf’s promotion hopes ended due to a combination of poor performance,defensive errors,and a managerial change that failed to yield immediate improvements.The loss to Braunschweig highlighted these issues and shifted the club’s focus to avoiding relegation.

Who was involved? Key figures include Fortuna Düsseldorf (players, manager Markus Anfang), Braunschweig (players, manager), Daniel Thioune (former Düsseldorf manager), Florian Kastenmeier (Düsseldorf captain), Kenneth Schmidt, and Rasmussen.

What happened? Düsseldorf suffered a 2-1 defeat to Braunschweig, extending their poor form and jeopardizing their promotion ambitions. The managerial change from Thioune to Anfang did not promptly improve results, and defensive errors proved costly.

How did it end? the