Even before the start of the Bundesliga season, unpleasant questions are being raised at Austria Vienna. The early exit from the European Cup fuelled criticism of the decisions made by the sporting management.
A successful experience at Blau-Weiß Linz on Sunday (from 5:00 p.m. in the LIVE ticker>>>) would also take the pressure off new coach Stephan Helm.
The 41-year-old found it difficult to explain the defeat against Ilves Tampere in the qualification for the Conference League. The fact that Helm spoke of a “double burden” caused questioning faces.
Dragovic not yet there
Last weekend, Austria played against regional league team FC Pinzgau Saalfelden in the first round of the ÖFB Cup and were leading 4-0 after 40 minutes. The exhaustion should have been manageable.
In Linz, the defense, which was full of holes against Ilves, should be more stable again, even if the new defensive leader Aleksandar Dragovic is still missing. The veteran, who was signed at the start of the week, is still behind on training.
“Of course, you have to address things clearly, we simply have to do our job better in defense, there is no two opinions about that. On the other hand, we also know that our attacking players are always good for goals and assists when they have confidence,” said Helm.
Still unbeaten against Blue-White
The offensive power mentioned above should give Austria confidence. Maurice Malone and Nik Prelec, who were brought in in the summer, could prove to be the reinforcements they are looking for, and Abubakr Barry also performed strongly in midfield.
Helm and his team only want to look forward. “The players are now eager to start the Bundesliga, they know how important the first games are and they want to take home the first points straight away,” he said. They are well prepared for the blue-white team. “Ultimately, however, it is essential that we do our homework.”
Linz is still waiting for a win against Austria since its promotion to the Bundesliga last year. The blue-whites suffered three defeats and one draw after last season.
Scheiblehner said no to Austria
Gerald Scheiblehner still attracted attention from the Violets. However, he turned down the coaching job in Vienna.
“I had and still have a good feeling about the decision to stay with Blau-Weiß. I feel very comfortable there. We have really built something and been successful.
The Austria management and I spoke, and we had very good discussions. However, some issues remained unresolved, which is why the move did not happen in the end,” Scheiblehner explained looking back.
Linzer with a good feeling
Of the new players brought in in the summer, defenders Martin Moormann and Anderson as well as winger Thomas Goiginger are likely to start against Austria.
Scheiblehner expected a “difficult game” against a team that belongs in the top six in terms of squad. “They want and need to show a reaction after their European Cup exit. But we are only looking at ourselves. We have a very good feeling in the team,” said Scheiblehner. “We all believe that we will win this game.”
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