Is FC Blau-Weiß Linz still in the top half of the Bundesliga table after the first half of the regular season? An away win at Hartberg tomorrow (5 p.m.) will probably be necessary for this.
“A win in Hartberg would be the icing on the cake of a great first half of the season,” says coach Gerald Scheiblehner before tomorrow’s guest game in Styria, which is also the start of a challenging away week: After the game in Hartberg, the round of 16 in the ÖFB awaits on Wednesday. Cup at Sturm Graz and the first second half of the regular season against Vienna Austria on the following Sunday. “We now have three difficult away games in one week. That’s what we’re committed to.”
While his team only got one point from the last three rounds, their opponent Hartberg is riding the wave of success with new coach Manfred Schmid: Since the 53-year-old Viennese took over, the Styrians have won three of their four games so far. The secret of Scheiblehner’s success is easily explained: “He hasn’t changed much in terms of playing system compared to Markus Schopp and hasn’t succumbed to activism. Why should he? The style that Hartberg has adopted has worked well in recent years. And You can also tell that the players feel comfortable with it.”
Tomorrow it will be uncomfortable for the Hartbergers: Blue and White have not yet been able to win a Bundesliga game against the Styrians, but Scheiblehner still says: “We have planned that too. We want to beat every Bundesliga team.”
Red white red asked
The fact that the meeting between the Linzers and Hartberg takes place on tomorrow’s national holiday suits both teams: the duo is one of those teams where red-white-red kickers are particularly in demand. While Blue-White is in second place with an Austrian share of 71.2 percent in the ten games so far, Hartberg is just behind with 70.4 percent. Blue and White will probably be missing an important local kicker again today. Midfielder Alexander Briedl continues to struggle with pubic bone inflammation. Andreas Lukse, Lukas Tursch, Conor Noß, Oliver Wahling and Joao Luiz are also out.
Altach leads the “Austrian table” with 75.1 percent. The best teams of the previous season are placed at the bottom: champions Sturm Graz have 13.1 percent, Salzburg have 9.1 percent. The LASK comes to 25.8 percent.
Interview with FC Blau-Weiß Linz Coach Gerald Scheiblehner Ahead of Critical Fixture Against Hartberg
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Coach Scheiblehner. Tomorrow, your team faces Hartberg in what is shaping up to be a crucial match. What are your expectations going into this game?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Good afternoon! We’re looking to solidify our position in the top half of the Bundesliga table, and a win in Hartberg would really cap off a fantastic first half of the season for us. It’s essential to get back on track after a tough few matches.
Interviewer: Your team has struggled a bit recently, earning only one point in the last three games. What do you attribute that to, and how are you addressing it?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Every team goes through rough patches. We’ve had some tough opponents, and sometimes the results simply don’t go your way. We’re focusing on maintaining our structure and execution. I believe in the players and the system we’ve built. It’s important to stay calm and confident.
Interviewer: Hartberg has found success under their new coach Manfred Schmid. What challenges do you anticipate from their side?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Hartberg has looked strong lately, winning three out of four matches with Schmid at the helm. Their system hasn’t changed dramatically, which helps their players feel comfortable. We know it’s going to be tough; they will have the confidence of home support, but we’re determined to break our winless streak against them.
Interviewer: You mentioned that a challenging week lies ahead, with two more away matches following Hartberg. How are you planning to manage the squad through this busy schedule?
Gerald Scheiblehner: It’s all about rotation and smart management. We have to ensure our players are fresh and ready for each match. The challenge of consecutive games can be taxing, but we’re committed to putting out the best possible squad for every fixture.
Interviewer: the national holiday tomorrow adds a special touch to the match. What does playing on such an occasion mean to you and the team?
Gerald Scheiblehner: It’s wonderful to have games on national holidays; it creates a great atmosphere and allows fans to come together. We want to make it memorable by showcasing our best performance and hopefully bringing home the win.
Interviewer: Thank you, Coach Scheiblehner, and best of luck against Hartberg!
Gerald Scheiblehner: Thank you! We appreciate the support.
Helm. They have a playing style that works well for them, and the players are clearly comfortable with it. We know they will be a tough opponent, but we have a plan in place to counter their strengths.
Interviewer: Given that your team has yet to win a Bundesliga match against Hartberg, do you feel any added pressure heading into this contest?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Pressure is part of football, and I thrive on it. While it’s true that our past encounters haven’t favored us, we’ve prepared thoroughly and believe we can change that narrative. Our aim is to beat every team in the league, starting with Hartberg.
Interviewer: You mentioned injuries affecting your lineup. Can you provide any updates on key players like Alexander Briedl and others?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Unfortunately, Alexander Briedl is still sidelined due to pubic bone inflammation. We also have a few others out, including Andreas Lukse and Conor Noß. However, our squad has depth, and others are ready to step up and contribute.
Interviewer: with this match falling on a national holiday, do you think this could impact the atmosphere at the stadium?
Gerald Scheiblehner: Absolutely. National holidays tend to bring in more fans, and I expect a great atmosphere. It’s always nice to have that extra energy from the supporters behind us. We’ll be looking to give them something to celebrate.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Coach Scheiblehner. Best of luck against Hartberg!
Gerald Scheiblehner: Thank you! We appreciate the support and look forward to a great match.
