Austria’s ailing league Croesus Red Bull Salzburg is aiming for a turnaround when returning from the international break.
Alex Schlager is one of the few veterans in the Salzburg squad.
APA/Krugfofo
Red Bull Salzburg wants to show a different face again after the international break. Alexander Schlager took the team to task before the home game against LASK on Saturday (5 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). This showed two weeks ago at 0:2 at Blau-Weiß Linz a more than weak performance; for coach Pep Lijnders this was “unacceptable”. Schlager promised two days before the game against Linz: “It’s now about taking responsibility.”
Bundesliga – 14th matchday
Salzburg released 15 players for international assignments, the last of whom only returned to Taxham on Thursday. Schlager also stayed with the ÖFB team. The goalkeeper wants to initiate the turnaround as one of the few veterans in the squad. Lijnders’ words were very clear – now a reaction should follow. “We can show that we want to win games. We are very aware that we have a responsibility to make things happen on the pitch,” said Schlager. It’s important to “bring a lot of passion to the pitch, act aggressively and take the stadium with you,” said the 28-year-old.
The former LASK keeper (“It will always be a special game”) hoped for the cohesion in the Salzburg team. The Bulls are currently eleven points – with two fewer matches played – in fourth place behind leaders Sturm Graz. It is obvious that the competitors are seeing a period of weakness for the former series champion. “Every other team naturally tries to take advantage of this phase when they play against us,” said Schlager. On Saturday you have to try to get the game on your side from the first second. Schlager doesn’t want to create a mood of crisis. “There’s no need to rush, it’s part of life. Hopefully in the end we’ll say that this has made us stronger as a group.”
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## Rebuilding the Bull: An Interview on Red Bull Salzburg’s Turnaround
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we dive deep into the performance of Austrian football giants Red Bull Salzburg. Following a disappointing defeat to Blau-Weiß Linz, Salzburg enters a crucial phase, aiming for a return to their dominant form. Joining us today are two experts in Austrian football: **[Guest 1 Name]**, a renowned sports journalist, and **[Guest 2 Name]**, a former professional footballer with insight into the club’s dynamics.
**Section 1: The Recent Struggles**
* **Interviewer:** Gentlemen, Red Bull Salzburg has a legacy of dominance in Austrian football. This recent dip in form, culminating in the Linz defeat, seems unusual. [Guest 1 Name], from your perspective as an analyst, what factors do you attribute to this downturn?
* **[Guest 1 Response]**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], you’ve worn the Salzburg jersey yourself. What’s your take on the team’s performance and the players’ mindset going into this critical period?
* **[Guest 2 Response]**
**Section 2: Leadership and Responsibility**
* **Interviewer:** Alex Schlager emerged as a vocal leader after the Linz loss. [Guest 1 Name], how significant is this kind of public accountability, especially from a “veteran” figure in a relatively young squad?
* **[Guest 1 Response]**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], having experienced the pressures of playing for Salzburg, do you think Schlager’s words reflect the sentiment within the dressing room? What kind of leadership does this team need right now?
* **[Guest 2 Response]**
**Section 3: Diagnosed Weakness, Targeted Solutions**
* **Interviewer:** Salzburg, despite the setbacks, remains a competitive force. Its attacking prowess is evident, but the defensive fragility was exposed against Linz. [Guest 1 Name], what tactical adjustments or reinforcements could Salzburg implement to regain their defensive solidity?
* **[Guest 1 Response]**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], beyond tactical solutions, is there a psychological aspect to regaining confidence? How can Salzburg harness their attacking abilities while addressing their defensive vulnerability?
* **[Guest 2 Response]**
**Section 4: The Road Ahead**
* **Interviewer:** Salzburg plays LASK after the international break. A vociferous home crowd will be behind them. [Guest 1 Name], how crucial is this match for Salzburg’s morale and their broader ambitions this season?
* **[Guest 1 Response]**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name] , looking ahead, what are your expectations for Salzburg in the coming weeks? Can they mount a credible challenge to Sturm Graz for the title?
* **[Guest 2 Response]**
**Closing:**
Thank you, gentlemen, for this insightful discussion. It’s clear that Red Bull Salzburg faces a defining period. The players, coaching staff, and fans are all contributing to the collective effort to rebuild and reclaim their place at the top. Stay tuned to World Today News for continued coverage of this evolving situation.
