LASK is under pressure in the home game against Cercle Bruges (9 p.m., Servus TV) in the Football Conference League. One point from two games so far is not enough. “That means: In order to be able to dream bigger, it is important not just to play a good game, but to get three points,” said coach Markus Schopp with regard to the chance of promotion. The first win has to come on Tuesday.
The athletes try to balance a split. “We manage to allow less and less, we manage to produce more and more. The only thing we can’t do is make it noticeable for everyone who just looks at the result,” explained Schopp.
Cercle Bruges will make it particularly difficult: coach Miron Muslic has taught the Belgians intensive attacking pressing and “incredible verticality” since he took over two years ago, as Schopp described Cercle’s move to the goal after winning the ball. It is not the first meeting between the two: Muslic looked after SV Ried for ten games in the 2020/21 season, including the 1-1 draw against Schopp’s then Hartberger. Today’s athletes Florian Flecker and Sascha Horvath were there.
“Balance doesn’t fit”
Slowing down the opponent on the counterattack has caused problems for LASK so far this season. “If you look at what we allow and how things happen, it’s far too easy. The opponent gets scoring opportunities far too easily,” explained Schopp. “On the other hand: The bigger problem for me is that we now manage to hurt the opponent but don’t reward ourselves in any meaningful way. This balance isn’t right yet.”
This is accompanied by another dichotomy: on the one hand, the development work towards a new game idea takes time, but on the other hand, there are “games in which we have to deliver good results,” as Schopp explained – because the Linz team runs in both the Bundesliga and the Conference League After the weak start, we are falling short of our own expectations. In the fifth attempt after the games against Djurgarden (2:2), Olimpija Ljubljana (0:2) and before that in the Europa League play-off against FCSB Bucharest (1:1, 0:1), LASK took its first European Cup victory today the season in sight. Schopp: “We have to manage to keep the opponent busy. That will be the key.”
7,000 tickets have been sold so far. The “Landstrassler” boycott continues. The umbrella organization of fan clubs welcomed the price reduction for some European Cup tickets as a “positive gesture”, but the aim was to achieve a “significant change” for everyone. If there is a solution by the last Conference League home game against Vikingur Reykjavik on December 19th, the team will be supported in the stadium again. In order to at least have a chance of overwintering in the Conference League in the last game of the year, something must be counted against Cercle Brugge.
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**Interview with Markus Schopp, Head Coach of LASK**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Markus. Thank you for joining us. LASK faces a crucial match against Cercle Bruges in the Football Conference League. With only one point from your first two games, how critical is this upcoming match for your ambitions in the tournament?
**Markus Schopp:** Good evening, and thank you for having me. This match is very important for us. As I have said, in order to dream bigger and think about progressing, it’s essential that we not only perform well but also secure three points. A win on Tuesday is crucial for getting back on track.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned needing to improve on various aspects of your game. What are the key areas you’re focusing on to achieve this win?
**Markus Schopp:** We’ve been working on our defensive organization and our transition play. It’s apparent that we’re allowing the opponents too many opportunities, which needs to change. On the flip side, we’re creating chances but failing to convert. We need to find that balance. Our objective is to keep the opponent occupied and not let them dictate the pace of the game.
**Interviewer:** Cercle Bruges has a reputation for their aggressive pressing and quick attacks. How do you plan to counter their style of play?
**Markus Schopp:** Yes, Cercle Bruges has a very dynamic approach under their coach Miron Muslic. It’s vital for us to be disciplined and composed when under pressure. We’ll need to focus on maintaining our shape defensively while also being clinical when we regain possession. If we can disrupt their flow, it will give us the upper hand.
**Interviewer:** There’s also some talk about the fan support, with 7,000 tickets sold but ongoing boycotts from certain fan groups. How do you think this impacts the team’s morale?
**Markus Schopp:** The support from our fans means a lot to us. While the boycotts are concerning, we are hopeful that positive changes will encourage more supporters to return to the stadium. A strong home crowd can create a real fortress atmosphere. We hope to earn their trust back with our performances on the pitch.
**Interviewer:** what’s your message to the players and fans ahead of this critical fixture?
**Markus Schopp:** To the players, I emphasize the importance of resilience and focus. We have to believe in our abilities and execute our game plan effectively. To our fans, I urge them to continue supporting us, as we are all in this together. Let’s make this a memorable night and get that much-needed win.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Markus. Best of luck in your match against Cercle Bruges.
**Markus Schopp:** Thank you very much!
