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A 2: 3 home defeat on Monday in the Nations League against Romania should not derail the Austrian team. Team boss Franco Foda is confident about the rest of the fall. The next three international matches are scheduled for mid-October. Foda announced that he could “break new ground” to form the team.
>> Match report: Austria v Romania
His selection increased in the first international matches of the year. In the absence of regulars like David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Valentino Lazaro or Konrad Laimer, Christoph Baumgartner, a rookie, and Xaver Schlager, an actor who had been injured for a long time the previous year, pushed for regular assignments. “Although we have hardly ever played together like this in this constellation, I thought it was good,” Foda said.
Foda could turn the team around
The German especially praised the behavior in possession. The defense, which was still very strong in Friday’s opening 2-1 victory in Norway, was less attractive to him against Romania. “We were too prone to mistakes,” Foda said. “What happens is a lack of concentration, but you have to turn it off.” Ideally as early as October, when things continue after a test in Klagenfurt against Greece (7th) in the Nations League away against Northern Ireland (11th) and Romania (14th October).
“The next course will be very intensive with three internationals, so we have to think of something,” Foda said. “Maybe one day I will take completely new paths.” More than the usual 23 players could be summoned, and operating times could be split. The team boss wants to call back soon with Arnautovic, who was prevented by quarantine regulations. The regular Chinese legionnaire championship runs until the end of September, but then there is a playoff.
Other actors will definitely return. Foda also said: “In October, the players will definitely come in a different form.” With competitive games on your legs. Due to the different stages of preparation for the season, the ÖFB kickers were at different fitness levels. Captain Julian Baumgartlinger, for example, was replaced after an hour after a brief assignment in Norway against Romania.
Despite the defeat, the team leader is satisfied
The physical situation after the Corona break was extraordinary. “But that was not the reason for the defeat,” Foda stressed. “Despite the failures and despite the deficit, we could have turned the game around. We exerted pressure until the end.” In his opinion, at least he would have deserved a draw. In the end, the team could not attack any more on the wings.
The Austrians had 62 percent possession. Foda didn’t want to talk about a setback. “I am not dissatisfied with the team, except for the result.” The praise after the performance in Norway was justified. “But it’s important that you stay focused. We’ve left a small percentage everywhere, that shouldn’t happen.” For example, in the change of behavior from offensive to defensive. “That took too long.” Also, the flanks were imprecise.
Marcel Sabitzer did not develop as much as in Oslo. According to Foda, the captain of the Champions League semi-finalist RB Leipzig should act against the ball on the right wing, but move to the offensive center in possession of the ball. “We did well for long periods. But often the last ball was missing overall.” The 54-year-old did not want to commit to a role for Sabitzer, the team’s top star in the absence of Arnautovic and Alaba: “Marcel can play ahead in all positions.” However, there is currently an oversupply on your favorite downtown.
The goal is still to win the group
ÖFB’s goal in the Nations League remains the group win and promotion to the A-League. “But we also want to add players for the future and find a balance,” Foda said. After all, next year the World Cup and MS rankings are due. “It is not that we intend to win every game now.” It was true that the group with the new leader Romania, Norway and Northern Ireland was very balanced. Foda: “Four points after two games was our wish. Now we have one less. But there are still four games to play.”
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