The conditions for a top game could not be much better. While Sturm Graz only lost once in seven games in the spring (0-1 at Salzburg), is Austria Wien still undefeated and won five matches. Incidentally, this was last achieved in 2013, when Manfred Schmid Violet was assistant coach. In the first eight Bundesliga games of a calendar year, Austria only remained unbeaten in 1985 and 1977. 37 years after the last time there is another chance on Sunday.
The demands have increased
It won’t be easy though: “We’re up against a strong team, Sturm play very intensively and at high speed, so we have to keep up,” says Schmid. “But we won’t throw everything overboard, we have to be dynamic and physical, be tactically disciplined, then we’ll get our chances.” Recently, things didn’t go according to plan against Austria Klagenfurt – for Schmid this is also a sign that their own demands have increased. “Not because of the result, but simply because of how we performed.” That should now work better against Sturm Graz.
There is also a piece of the puzzle Marco Djuricin, who has scored in the last three Bundesliga games. Previously he only managed to do this in spring and autumn 2014, four times in a row he had never done so. Is there the premiere on Sunday? “Marco just has to keep working consistently. He has the quality in front of goal, just has this nose for goals. If he stays on it, he’ll score his goals,” Schmid is convinced.
“Top game” as an award
The coach is also certain when it comes to fans: “There will be a lot of spectators in the stadium again, and many of our fans will come too. That’s very important for us and a decisive factor that pushes the players. I’ve said it several times, the fans have always supported us throughout the season, even when things didn’t go our way.”
Schmid sees the fact that the game on Sunday is also considered a top game in perception as a “nice honor. We worked hard for it and deserve it. We’re playing third against second, it will definitely be a highlight for us,” said the coach .
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