2023-07-25 06:35:00
Hard resistance is expected above all from Sturm Graz and LASK. For example, Austria coach Michael Wimmer has the Styrians and Upper Austrians on the bill. “I see LASK and especially Sturm as the fiercest competitors,” said the German. Markus Schopp (Hartberg), Gerald Scheiblehner (Blau-Weiß Linz) and Manfred Schmid (WAC) had a similar opinion. “Salzburg was really challenged last season and I assume that it will be even closer at the top this season. In particular, Sturm Graz and LASK can do a lot,” said Schmid.
Altach’s Joachim Standfest followed suit: “Above all, SK Sturm Graz and LASK can be trusted to annoy Salzburg and maybe replace them as champions once more.” Rapids Zoran Barisic, Thomas Silberberger from WSG Tirol and Austria Lustenau’s Markus Mader rate Sturm Graz as Salzburg’s biggest competitor. The latter allows the Viennese clubs and the WAC outsider chances.
Austria Klagenfurt’s Peter Pacult also considers Sturm Graz to be the toughest adversary, and LASK is also rated highly – but with one caveat: It remains to be seen “how it will work following the change of coach,” explained Pacult. The new LASK coach Thomas Sageder was cautious. “In terms of budget, the difference is so big that under normal circumstances there will be no surprises,” said Dietmar Kühbauer’s successor. Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer didn’t make any big statements either. “If Salzburg plays a top-top season like they have in the last ten years, then they will be difficult to clean,” explained the Styrian.
Salzburg’s Matthias Jaissle didn’t name the main rivals and only said: “We’re going through a change once more this summer – and the competition is developing really well. I think the fans can look forward to another cool season.”
Ilzer assumes that Salzburg might be put under pressure by several clubs. “If I look at the shopping program of our fellow campaigners, then maybe there will be more Salzburg hunters,” said the 45-year-old, probably with a view to LASK. According to Ilzer, Linzer acted “conspicuously” during the current transfer period. Sageder only said that “some very exciting newcomers to LASK might be guided”.
According to Barisic, “Sturm and, above all, LASK were already very active and, according to media reports, spent a lot of money, even by Austrian standards”. In this context, Schmid also emphasized LASK and Sturm, Schopp also mentioned Salzburg in addition to these two clubs. For Mader, the WAC, Altach and WSG Tirol have so far been the winners of the transition period.
Jaissle, like Wimmer, Pacult or Silberberger, did not pass judgment on this subject. Nor did the German want to comment on the fact that a remarkably large number of legionnaires were brought in during the current transition period. “I don’t presume to make a general judgment for the whole league. Every club has its own transfer strategy and acts accordingly.”
According to some coaches, the increased look around abroad also has something to do with the high prices for domestic kickers. “The vast majority of clubs have to move within a financial framework on the transfer market – there is more room for maneuver on the non-domestic player market,” said Sageder. Pacult agreed: “The group of legionnaires is of course much larger than the selection of local players, especially since the best are usually drawn abroad.”
Schmid and Mader also pointed out that Austrian players are more expensive. Therefore, according to Barisic, many clubs deliberately forego the income from the Austrian pot. Like Wiener Austria or Altach, Rapid is not one of them, and these clubs are aligning their transfer activities accordingly.
The Upper Austria trainers in the APA interview:
Thomas Sageder – Trainer LASK:
Image: GEPA pictures
1.) Could Salzburg be challenged even more this time than last season, and if so, by whom?
“Salzburg has it in their own hands as always. All other teams will try to be as consistent as possible – but the difference in budget is simply so big that under normal circumstances there will be no surprises.”
2.) Who has strengthened the best so far?
“We were able to guide some very exciting new signings to LASK and are happy to start the season with them. Other clubs are also showing that the Bundesliga is an attractive place for players – so I’m expecting a top-class season.”
3.) Why have a remarkable number of legionnaires been committed so far?
“The vast majority of clubs have to move within a financial framework on the transfer market – there is more room for maneuver on the non-domestic player market.”
4.) Would a Bundesliga increase be desirable?
“The current model has proven itself.”
5.) The Bundesliga is entering its 50th season. Is it a successful model, what are its strengths, what needs to be improved, how should it be in a few years?
“The Bundesliga showed itself from its best side last season in particular. There were well-filled stadiums, top-class games and plenty of excitement at the top. Even if you look at the international standing of our clubs, the Bundesliga has developed well. In terms of infrastructure, there is still a lot of catching up to do in some places – but according to reports, intensive work is already being done on this.”
Gerald Scheiblehner – Coach FC Blau-Weiss Linz:
Image: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER
1.) “Like every year, Salzburg is the favorite for the title. Sturm and LASK are the challengers for me.”
2.) “It’s difficult to judge. LASK has brought in a lot of interesting players. In my opinion, Altach has also strengthened very well. The best are those clubs that only (have to) change selectively.”
3.) “The Bundesliga is now also attractive to international players. Many see our league as a springboard for the top 5 leagues.”
4.) “I think the Bundesliga is very good the way it is now. Not everyone will ever be satisfied. Basically, a league with more clubs is of course interesting. In Austria, however, this format fits very well. If we expand the league by two or more clubs, there might not be a club in the 2nd league that can get promoted.”
5.) “The Bundesliga is definitely a model for success. A lot of very nice stadiums have been built, one or the other is being planned. Salzburg, Sturm and LASK are consistently successful internationally. More and more players are being transferred from the Bundesliga to top international leagues. In my first year as a coach in the Bundesliga, I can’t make any suggestions for improvement because I lack the experience.”
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