The previews of Red Bull Salzburg – FC Twente are in full swing. Despite the difference in selection value of both teams (€182.80 million – €66.33 million), the Tukkers feel that they are certainly not without a chance. Voetbal International analysts Süleyman Öztürk and Pieter Zwart, however, estimate Twente’s chances to be less high.
In the press conference prior to the upcoming match, RB Salzburg coach Pepijn Lijnders said that FC Twente is of Champions League level. Öztürk downplays that statement by the Dutch coach at VI Tour of Europe: “FC Twente is of course not at Champions League level. I don’t think Daan Rots is on the scouting list of Real Madrid and Barcelona. A number of Red Bull Salzburg players are on those scouting lists to see if they can become top players in two or three years.”
Salzburg’s selection is known for its great talents. For example, the oldest outfield player in the selection is only 25 years old: “If Twente were to scout one of the players from RB Salzburg, we would say: how is it possible that Twente has brought in such a talented boy for such a price?”, Öztürk continues. “That is what Salzburg does every year, every summer and winter. You look at Jong Real Madrid, Jong Chelsea. I think the relationships between RB Salzburg and FC Twente are so skewed that it would be a disgrace if RB Salzburg does not pull it over the line in two games. Then you have simply failed.”
Editor-in-chief Pieter Zwart also emphasises the talent within the selection of tonight’s opponent: “Absolutely. If you look at the players you see in that Salzburg team, there is so much quality. If Karim Konaté were playing in the Eredivisie, we would be talking every week about how incredibly talented he is. They don’t have one of them, but eight.”
