LASK is already in the top six in the “Schopp table”: Since coach Markus Schopp took over before the sixth round, the athletes have scored 14 points – only Sturm Graz (17), Rapid and Austria Vienna (16 each) have more.
This is remarkable, not only because the start was a failure with the defeat against Blau-Weiß Linz (0-1). The 50-year-old had taken over a team that was physically and mentally weak and had to work with compromises from game to game. Nothing is easy for LASK yet, the team has to work hard for everything – despite this, 15 goals were scored in the eight Bundesliga games under Schopp, the second best result behind Sturm Graz (19). Schopp-LASK got eight points after falling behind, three of them in the 2-1 win in Altach on Sunday.
Gather strength, analyze
The international break is doubly important for LASK: on the one hand, to take a breather after an intensive block, and on the other hand, to refine the game idea. Schopp: “It’s now a matter of gathering strength, analyzing well and continuing to work on it in a good dose.”
Elements of the new style could also be seen in Altach. “There were a lot of things again where we should have punished the opponent much earlier. This has been with us for weeks. You can’t work away from it for nothing,” said Schopp on Sky. Maximilian Entrup knows from their season together in Hartberg where the path with the coach should lead. “We still have a lot to do. It takes time. If we get the time, it can be really good.”
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**Interview with Markus Schopp: LASK’s Steady Ascent**
**Interviewer:** Good to have you with us, Markus! LASK has made quite a comeback under your leadership. In just a short time, you’ve helped the team secure 14 points and climb into the top six of the league. How do you feel about the progress so far?
**Markus Schopp:** Thank you! It’s been a challenging journey, especially starting with the loss against Blau-Weiß Linz. However, I’m proud of the players’ resilience and how they’ve responded. We’ve put a lot of effort into rebuilding both physically and mentally, and it’s starting to show.
**Interviewer:** That’s great to hear! What are some key areas you’ve focused on since taking over?
**Markus Schopp:** We’ve had to work on our game mentality and fitness. Each game presents its own challenges, and we’ve had to make compromises. The players are learning to fight for every point, as evidenced by our performance after falling behind in games. The ability to rally back is crucial, and we’ve demonstrated that.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of challenging games, how important is the upcoming international break for the team?
**Markus Schopp:** The break is vital for us. It’s a chance to rest, analyze our performances, and refine our game strategy. We need to make sure we’re in the best shape possible for the next phase of the season. My focus will be on gathering strength and continuing to work towards our goals.
**Interviewer:** In your recent match against Altach, you mentioned that there were opportunities to punish the opponent earlier. How do you address this going forward?
**Markus Schopp:** It’s about execution. We need to take our chances when they arise. I believe our attacking play can be even more decisive. We’ve been working on that in training, and with time, the players will become more confident in those situations.
**Interviewer:** what can LASK supporters expect as you continue this journey together?
**Markus Schopp:** I truly believe that if we get the time and support, we can achieve great things together. There’s potential within this team, and we’re committed to realizing it. To our fans, I ask for patience as we work to elevate our game consistently.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Markus. Best of luck for the season ahead!
**Markus Schopp:** Thank you! I’m excited for what’s to come.