Bundesliga: Converted Austria is put to the test

In the middle of the transfer offensive, in which some observers were critical of the activities of the sporting mastermind Jürgen Werner, who was working in the background, those responsible fled to the front. Board member Gerhard Krisch and sports director Manuel Ortlechner listed eleven departures. Among them professionals like Bright Edomwonyi and Max Sax, who, with good contracts, no longer played a role in the Bundesliga.

For this purpose, the foundation should be laid so that participation in the European Cup will be on the agenda in the future. “We managed to earn additional money by qualifying for a European Cup group phase, and we invested part of it in strengthening the squad in order to create the basis for being successful in sport and business over the next three years ‘ Krisch explained.

The heavily indebted Austria had been refused the license in the first instance for financial and legal reasons. In the second instance, the “Violets” received the right to play, but with a deduction of points and a fine. The Viennese appealed to the protest committee and celebrated at least a partial success. The point deduction was reduced from four to three points, but Austria had to pay a fine of 20,000 euros.

European Cup chance as a blessing and a curse

Austria is therefore paying in advance. At first glance, continuous appearances in international business seem to be the most lucrative way to lighten the still heavy monetary backpack that the favorites are lugging around with them. Third place in the past season can be considered a jackpot. At least three million euros in bonuses are guaranteed for Austria. The start takes place in the play-off of the Europa League (August 18th or 25th), in the event of an out, the transfer to the group phase of the Conference League takes place.

Manfred Schmid emerged stronger after his first year as Austria coach. Peter Stöger’s former assistant acted as a warning at the beginning of the summer preparations. With 1. FC Köln, Schmid experienced all too well in 2017/18 how appearances in the European Cup had a negative impact on performance in the league due to the multiple burdens. Stöger had to go in late autumn, Cologne got down. Schmid’s credo was now the broadening of the squad. “A lot of important players are gone, we have to fill that up with quality and experience,” emphasized the 52-year-old.

Werner’s LASK past helps

Jürgen Werner played an important role as mastermind. After his ban expires in mid-August, the Upper Austrian will be allowed to play a role in Austrian football again. It is circulating that the role as sports director of Austria Werner should be denied by the league. In any case, the former LASK squad planner works very actively in the background. In the past few weeks he has steered three people from Linz to Vienna: Raguz, Andreas Gruber and James Holland. Former LASK pro Reinhold Ranftl also came on loan from Schalke 04.

“Of course you fall back on players you know and who you know have quality. It’s not about them being LASK players,” said Schmid. In “many good conversations” with Werner, the squad was fine-tuned. “We want to attack better up front, that was one of our weaknesses last season. But we want to continue to play ball, play football. That excited the fans,” says Schmid. It is important to remain flexible with a three- or four-man defense. One thing is clear: “We will not play like LASK.”

Question mark behind offensive

If the offensive was strengthened with the additions of Raguz, Gruber, second division top scorer Haris Tabakovic or youth team player Manuel Polster, a problem arises there a few days before the start of the season. Raguz came to Austria with a long-term injury, Tabakovic suffered an unspecified muscle injury at the end of the pre-season and remains in doubt for the start of the league in Salzburg on Friday. Marco Djuricin also struggled with the aftermath of a coronavirus infection.

The striker had to leave the field in the first friendly because of a heart ache. After various examinations and, according to trainer Schmid, not optimal blood values, the 29-year-old has now received the green light again and can train individually. Israeli left-back Matan Baltaxa, who is to replace Markus Suttner, also arrived injured in Vienna. “We got one or two players who still have problems, who still need time,” said Schmid.

“Change of scenery” gives Raguz hope

This is especially true of Raguz. Since his cruciate ligament rupture in November 2020, the center forward has not really gained a foothold. Before this spring he seemed to be on the way to old strengths but was slowed down again by injuries. “I hope that the change of scenery will allow me to get away from Linz and make a fresh start here. I hope that the medical care here might work better for me,” the 24-year-old told the “kicker”. According to reports, attempts are now being made to get the problems under control with other treatments.

Up to 1.7 million euros were rumored as a transfer fee for Raguz. A lot of money for a player whose fitness level is a mystery. At Austria, they are convinced that the striker, who is considered a valuable share in top condition, will flourish. “We have to get him fit. We believe in it, the doctors say the same thing,” said Schmid and pointed out: “I don’t know if we would have gotten Raguz at all if he were fit.”

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