2024-10-28 18:25:00
Thanks to “Joker” Lovro Zvonarek’s goal in the 83rd minute, Sturm not only celebrated their first win in Linz’s Raiffeisen Arena, but also their fourth in the league. After the challenging summer with prominent departures like Alexander Prass and new arrivals, the Sturm ship is back on track, according to coach Christian Ilzer.
“We have changed a few things, there are now different qualities and characters in the team. We had to really work our way into the season, we are now at a good level,” said Ilzer after the win in Linz. The recent run of success in the league is a good sign: “I always say: You have to lay the tracks in the fall so that the train runs in the spring.”
Sturm seizes the opportunity
Masters Puntigamer Sturm Graz seized the opportunity on Sunday evening and extended their lead in the Admiral Bundesliga. The Styrians won 2-1 (1-0) at LASK and are now three points ahead of their pursuers Rapid, who had previously played 1-1 at GAK. The match winner in Linz was “Joker” Lovro Zvonarek in the finish of the game (83rd).
Happiness of the brave
In the win against LASK, Fortuna also set the course for victory because the home team could have equalized at the end. “The stoppage time cost me more nerves than the 90 minutes before,” admitted Ilzer. Another contributing factor was that Sturm negligently wasted a 4-1 advantage on a counterattack.
So it was up to substitute Zvonarek to become the match winner with his first goal for the double winners. There wasn’t much to suggest this goal, as the home side were the dominant team for much of the second half. “The equalizer gave them an enormous boost of energy,” said Ilzer.
Nevertheless, LASK ended up empty-handed – much to the annoyance of coach Markus Schopp. “I had the feeling in the second half that we were in control and could perhaps score the second goal,” said the Styrian. The result was the second competitive game defeat in a row and eighth place in the table. “We have to take the positive things with us,” demanded Schopp.
Salzburg is looking for the trail
There is little positive to report from Salzburg at the moment. Since then, in eight games in the Bundesliga and the premier class, the former series champions have only been able to celebrate two wins; in Wolfsberg they had to be content with one point despite being outnumbered. Until WAC striker Markus Pink was ruled out (51′), the “Red Bulls” were harmless and didn’t get a single shot on goal. After that, the runner-up clearly dominated, but there were only two top-class chances in the final phase.
Coach Pepijn Lijnders didn’t see the performance as bad. “I saw a team that believed in itself until the last minute, tried everything, created chances, but nothing came of it. It’s clear that we should have won here. “Luck will come back to us,” said Lijnders. “I’m not talking about a crisis, the season is so long, you won’t lose the championship today.” Mads Bidstrup was more critical about the zero number: “Result and performance are not good enough. Things aren’t coming easy for us at the moment.”
Decimated WAC defies “bulls” point
A few days after the 2-0 defeat in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb, Red Bull Salzburg failed to get back on track in the Admiral Bundesliga. The former series champions had to settle for a 0-0 draw at RZ Pellets WAC on Sunday – even though Wolfsberg had to play almost the entire half with one less man.
According to sports director Bernhard Seonbuchner, the current crisis is not due to the squad. “We qualified for the Champions League with this squad. There was good energy in the team at this point. We find it difficult to score goals in the Bundesliga. But the squad is strong enough to play at the top in the Bundesliga.” The level that the team currently offers is “average,” admitted the German. “Your self-image is not at 100 percent right now; you have to develop that through many small steps.”
A draw for Rapid as well as a defeat
There was also dissatisfaction in the Rapid camp after the 1-1 draw with bottom team GAK. “It feels like a defeat. What we did today just wasn’t good,” said coach Robert Klauß. The German didn’t want to admit that he was tired, but: “Of course, physical freshness plays a role. We have to find an approach so that we can play games like this better.”
Elfmeter directed Rapid beim GAK
Even in the last game of the first half of the season in the regular season of the Admiral Bundesliga, newly promoted GAK didn’t manage to get their first win of the season. The “Red Jackets” had to be content with a 1-1 (0-0) draw at home against Rapid on Sunday in coach Rene Poms’ debut. A penalty goal from Dijon Beljo saved the guests in stoppage time (93′).
In any case, Rapid lost points against a supposed underdog for the third time in a row after a European Cup match. The success in the qualification against Braga was followed by a 0:3 against Blau-Weiß Linz, the 2:1 win at Trabzonspor was followed by a 1:1 against Austria Klagenfurt and now a draw after the 1:0 win over FC Noah against the bottom of the table.
The draw against the runners-up was a respectable success for the GAK, but coach Rene Poms mourned a win after his debut. “The team gave everything and had incredible energy on the pitch. We had two or three chances in the first half. But we gave it away too carelessly, there could have been more,” said the Styrian.
1730143891
#Sturm #air
**Interview with Sturm Graz Coach Christian Ilzer**
**Reporter:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Ilzer. After an intense summer and the departure of key players, how does it feel to secure your first win at Linz’s Raiffeisen Arena and your fourth victory in the league this season?
**Christian Ilzer:** It feels fantastic! This win was crucial for us, not just in the standings but for the team’s confidence. We’ve had to adapt and evolve with new players coming in, and to see that hard work paying off is very rewarding.
**Reporter:** You mentioned changes in the team dynamics. Can you elaborate on the adjustments you’ve made this season?
**Christian Ilzer:** Absolutely. We introduced different qualities and characters to the squad, which required a period of adaptation. We had to work hard to find our rhythm, but now I can confidently say that we’re at a good level. This win is indicative of our progress.
**Reporter:** Lovro Zvonarek’s goal in the 83rd minute was pivotal. What does it mean for a substitute player like him to become a match-winner?
**Christian Ilzer:** It’s a testament to the depth of our squad. Lovro has shown great potential, and it’s a big boost for him personally and for the team as a whole. Players stepping up in crucial moments exemplifies the spirit we’re building here.
**Reporter:** There were moments in the match where LASK looked to overpower you, especially in the second half. How did you ensure your team stayed composed?
**Christian Ilzer:** The second half was definitely nerve-racking. LASK had their chances, and their equalizer changed the game’s momentum. It was important for us to remain focused and resilient, and thankfully, we did just enough to secure the win.
**Reporter:** Your statement about laying the tracks in the fall is intriguing. Can fans expect Sturm Graz to be a strong contender as the season progresses?
**Christian Ilzer:** I firmly believe so. The foundation we are building now will set us up for success in the spring. It’s crucial to keep this momentum going while continuing to improve our game.
**Reporter:** Thank you, Coach Ilzer, and best of luck for the rest of the season!
**Christian Ilzer:** Thank you! We appreciate the support as we move forward.
That say about his role in the team?
**Christian Ilzer:** Lovro’s goal was not just a match-winner; it was a testament to his determination and skill as a substitute. We’ve nicknamed him “Joker” for a reason—he has the ability to change the game when it matters most. His performance today symbolizes the depth and potential we have within the squad.
**Reporter:** After a challenging first half of the season, how do you see the team’s trajectory moving forward?
**Christian Ilzer:** I believe we are finally laying the tracks for future success. The quote I often share is: “You have to lay the tracks in the fall so that the train runs in the spring.” This win is a step in that direction. We still have a lot to improve upon, but I’m optimistic that we can continue to build on this momentum.
**Reporter:** Lastly, what message do you want to send to your fans after this victory?
**Christian Ilzer:** I want to thank our fans for their unwavering support. Your passion fuels us, and together, we can look forward to a promising second half of the season. Let’s keep pushing and believing in what we can achieve together!
