LASK wants to “bring horsepower to the grass” against Austria

Bundesliga

LASK wants to upset the serial champions Salzburg in the new Bundesliga season. In the opening game against Vienna Austria on Friday night (8.30pm / Sky live), the Linzers want to keep the same number of hits. Neo-coach Dominik Thalhammer spoke before the “trend-setting” early rounds when asked about potential challengers for the league’s dominator. But there was no declaration of war.

Stöger: “The season will be challenging across the board”

A new man is also on the sidelines with the guests. Peter Stöger returns to the Bundesliga after seven years. The former Austrian master builder held back expectations for his younger team. “We are prepared for the whole year to be a maturing process. That the whole season will be a challenge in all areas,” said the former coach of Cologne and Dortmund.

Almost 6,400 spectators are allowed in the stadium at the Linzer Gugl. After months of games without fans, it is not just the athletes who crave the support of the stands. “We are looking forward to the fact that many Linzers come to the stadium. It is rarely said that,” joked Stöger. The managing director of Sport Vienna spoke of an “attractive challenge” at the start of the season. LASK is a tough opponent. However, violets want to avoid defeat as much as possible.

The fact that they did not meet expectations last season was mainly due to the weak start to the season, Stöger emphasized. “We couldn’t catch up. We want to start this season off right so we don’t have to race again.”

With the return of Markus Suttner, only one new person will be seen in Austria. Georg Teigl was signed just a few days ago and, like Erik Palmer-Brown, who is again on loan from Manchester City, he still has room for improvement in the physical area, according to Stöger. Up front, the neo team player Christoph Monschein bets. On offense, the Austria manager also expects more accents from his co-workers.

A look at the transfer activities of the two clubs reveals that LASK had significantly more leeway thanks to earnings in the Europa League. All parts of the team were reinforced. The departures of Joao Klauss and Dominik Frieser were compensated with the transfers of Mamoudou Karamoko and Andreas Gruber. However, Karamoko is currently injured. The Linzers also got to see a new addition early on with ex-Mattersburger Gruber.

Thalhammer: “Know that we are well prepared”

Under Thalhammer, who replaced Valerien Ismael after a turbulent spring from Linz’s point of view, calm should return. The former women’s team boss has a large support team and exudes demonstrated confidence. “I am convinced that we will bring the power to the field,” she said before her league debut as LASK coach. She coachedokiesra from 2004 to 2005 in the upper house.

He was “upbeat and very relaxed,” Thalhammer said. “Because we know that we are well prepared.” LASK has been undefeated against Austria in nine league games since August 2017, winning seven of them. The Viennese last away win was in May 2011. However, Austria is a strong opponent, Thalhammer said. Of course, one is prepared for changes under Stöger.

However, when asked about his goals, Thalhammer did not make a clear statement. The Linzers offered Salzburg more than paroli last season until the end of the basic round, before an intermittent knockdown after the crown break put an end to championship dreams. “LASK should be and remain a stable factor,” Thalhammer said simply. A place in the top four is worth fighting for.

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