Leverkusen boss labels Augsburg Bundesliga's best
Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez believes his team is going up against the best side in the Bundesliga this weekend as it visits table-topping Augsburg.
Augsburg is one of four teams on maximum points after two matchdays in the Bundesliga, with Freiburg, Borussia Dortmund and minnow Elversberg also earning two victories.
Having followed up a 3-0 win over Schalke with an eye-catching 4-1 success at Eintracht Frankfurt on Monday (AEST), Augsburg ended a Bundesliga matchday at the top of the table for the first time in its history.
Martinez, whose Leverkusen side has three points on the board after losing 3-2 to Elversberg and routing Union Berlin 4-0, does not feel the hosts start is a flash in the pan.
"They're top of the table, so they're currently the best team in the league," he said.
"They've put in two good performances, both in attack and defence, and deserve to be up there.
"Augsburg are playing with a lot of confidence at home at the moment; we need to recognise that.
"But the focus is on us. That's the message that applies throughout the season. We have to give our all, start the match with focus and show passion."
Moussa Diaby came off the bench in the 67th minute of Leverkusen's win over Union, having returned to the club for a second stint after three years with Aston Villa and Al-Ittihad.
Martinez says it will be a gradual process to integrate the winger, but he should be involved again this weekend.
"He's settled in very well. I'm only just getting to know him, but I understand why many say he's more mature than he used to be," Martinez added.
"He trains incredibly hard and can help the club improve. I'm glad he's with us.
"These days, you need depth in a squad if you want to compete for trophies. It's great to have plenty of options. Of course, not everyone can play.
"But the most important thing is that everyone gets a chance to prove themselves – whether from the start or towards the end of a game."
