“When Franz Grad calls and asks if you can help out, you don’t say no,” says Alexander Zellhofer. After Kurt Russ’ lightning departure to the German women’s Bundesliga club Potsdam, the 30-year-old is stepping in as coach at the regional soccer team Askö Oedt for the remaining five games in the autumn season – and today he starts with a real benchmark: the Trauners are away at league leaders Leoben. “We want to take points,” says Zellhofer, who has seen many familiar faces in the past few days: “I only live five minutes away from the sports field and played here in the junior team and also in the fighting team.”
In the first title under the leadership of Franz Grad in the 2nd class center in 2013, he played in seven games as an 18-year-old. Eleven years later the club is playing in the regional league – will the journey continue upwards? In addition to Leoben, FC Hertha Wels, Weiz and Vorwärts Steyr, Oedt also recently took part in the admission workshop for the 2nd league.
Top game in the Upper Austria league
Unlike in previous seasons, promotion to the regional league is once again sought after by many clubs from a sporting perspective: “If you go into a competition and win it, the consequence is that you will be promoted,” says Mondsee coach Thomas Plasser, whose team, in second place, welcomes leaders Dietach in the top game of the Upper Austrian League today. With a win, the pursuer could overtake the leader.
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Quick Turnaround: Alexander Zellhofer Takes the Helm at Askö Oedt
In a sudden and unexpected move, Alexander Zellhofer has been thrust into the head coaching role at Askö Oedt, a regional soccer team in Austria’s Upper League. Just days after Kurt Russ’s departure to Potsdam, Zellhofer has stepped in to lead the team for the remaining five games of the autumn season. With his first match today against league leaders Leoben, the stakes are high, and Zellhofer is eager to prove himself.
As a 30-year-old with roots in the club, Zellhofer is no stranger to Askö Oedt. Having played for the team in the past, including in the second-class center in 2013, he has a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and culture. His familiarity with the players and the club will undoubtedly be an asset as he navigates this challenging situation.
Zellhofer has made his intentions clear: “We want to take points” against Leoben. With his fresh perspective and determination, he may just be the spark the team needs to turn their season around. As the team gears up for the crucial game, fans will be watching closely to see how Zellhofer handles the pressure.
Interestingly, Askö Oedt’s performance in this autumn season may have broader implications for the team’s future. Along with other teams like FC Hertha Wels, Weiz, and Vorwärts Steyr, they recently participated in the admission workshop for the 2nd league. This development suggests that Askö Oedt is eyeing a promotion to a higher league, and a successful finish to this season could be a crucial stepping stone.
While Zellhofer’s tenure as head coach is expected to be short-lived, he has a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the team. With his commitment to taking points against Leoben, he is setting an ambitious tone for the remainder of the season. As the team embarks on this critical stretch, fans and observers alike will be watching with bated breath.
Key Takeaways:
Alexander Zellhofer takes the helm as head coach at Askö Oedt for the remaining five games of the autumn season.
Zellhofer has a deep understanding of the team, having played for them in the past.
His first match is against league leaders Leoben, and he is determined to take points.
Askö Oedt’s performance in the autumn season may have implications for their future promotion to the 2nd league.
Will Zellhofer be able to turn the team around and lead them to a successful finish? Only time will tell.
