Schumacher | Understanding the Stakes Ahead
Wanderers Head Coach Steven Schumacher is preparing his team for an important derby match against Wigan Athletic. The game will kick off at 12:30 PM on Saturday at the Brick Community Stadium as part of Sky Bet League One.
Understanding the Stakes Ahead: Key Match Details
This encounter is significant for both teams, especially for Wanderers, who aim for their third consecutive victory over Wigan. In their previous clash, Wanderers secured a commanding 4-1 win at home in September. On their last visit to Wigan, Chris Forino clinched a last-minute 1-0 win in April 2025.
Coaching Insights
Schumacher emphasized the importance of the derby, stating, “It’s the biggest game of the season.” He noted that the anticipation for this matchup builds significantly among fans each year. However, he mentioned the need for his players to focus on execution and maintaining composure amid the competitive atmosphere.
- Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Kick-off: 12:30 PM
- Location: Brick Community Stadium, Wigan
- Previous results:
- Wanderers 4-1 Wigan (September)
- Wigan 0-1 Wanderers (April 2025, injury-time goal by Chris Forino)
Preparation and Fan Support
Training sessions leading up to the match have been productive, with Schumacher insisting on high intensity to match Wigan’s physical style. He acknowledged recent performances have fallen short and stressed the necessity for improvement against a rival team. With 4,600 away supporters expected to back Wanderers, Schumacher challenged the players to deliver a performance worthy of their loyalty.
Last year, the presence of the fans was significant, and Schumacher hopes to replicate that energy by achieving a desirable result. “We’ve got to put in a performance and raise it to the level that we know we can play at,” he stated, anticipating a thrilling encounter.
