Lustenau repeats Salzburg to the “top game”
The first Bundesliga clash between Austria Lustenau and Red Bull Salzburg takes place in the Reichshofstadion on Saturday. After the derby victory against Altach, the green-whites are bursting with self-confidence. “I don’t want to brake euphoria at all,” says Lustenau coach Markus Mader. Salzburg has respect for the opponent. “They’re doing really well, they’re right up there,” said Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle. Table leader LASK meets Altach, Hartberg plays against Ried.
Lustenau started the comeback season in the Bundesliga with three wins, one draw and just one defeat. Most recently, Altach was forced 2-1, Austria is third in the table and better than any climber in nine years. The Lustenau-based company doesn’t want to defend itself against the hype this has sparked. “The players also need a certain amount of euphoria. But on the other hand, we already know where we come from and where we have to classify ourselves,” said Mader.
Mader has the whole squad available against the champions. With Salzburg, the strongest opponent so far from the starting position comes to Vorarlberg. “Basically, it’s definitely about getting the game off to a good start, just like we did well against Altach,” Mader said. “Then we need extreme passion and mentality in the game again, with and against the ball.”
Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle revealed that Austria Lustenau’s lightning start did not surprise him. “It’s a top game, second against third. As always, we’re completely reliable, well prepared and want to take the three points home with us,” Jaissle clarified. Last Sunday, Salzburg deservedly won 2-0 against Austria Klagenfurt. It was the third win in a row. “The development is also good. We want to build on that against Lustenau and expand our small series,” said Jaissle, who has to do without Ignace van der Brempt.
At the same time, at 5 p.m., the last two teams with weak results will meet in a duel between TSV Hartberg and SV Ried. Both have been waiting for a complete success for three league games and find themselves in the table basement. There are no favorites in this game. The Styrians, who have not won against Ried in the Bundesliga so far, had two weeks of preparation for this duel – possibly a small advantage.
“After the bitter defeat in Lustenau, three points are of course our goal,” emphasized coach Klaus Schmidt. Hartberg is currently in the penultimate place in the table with a game in hand. After the opening victory over Altach, it was the last defeat in a row. According to Schmidt, the atmosphere in the team is still good. He’s positive about the duel with Ried: “We’ve had two weeks to get our crown back on its feet, and we’ll be ready on Saturday.” During the two-week break from competitive games, which was caused by the postponement of the duel with European Cup starter Rapid, Schmidt primarily tried to work on the defensive.
Ried also got off to a mixed start to the new season, ranking tenth with four games after five. In the duel with Hartberg, the Vikings want to get the second three, coach Christian Heinle was probably optimistic: “We can do everything in this game. We want to convert our performance into points now.” He doesn’t see any favorites in this game, he’s waiting for an opponent at eye level.
Table leaders LASK Linz will only score the next three points against Altach at 7.30 p.m. The still undefeated Linzers are the clear favorites in the encounter in Pasching. At Altach, compensation is announced after last week’s derby defeat. Coach Miroslav Klose expects a reaction.
Despite the good start to the season, LASK coach Didi Kühbauer has been warned of the upcoming opponents: “With Altach, we are expecting the next team that wants to beat us. With Miroslav Klose as head coach, they will certainly have new energy.” At the same time, he trusts in his own strengths. “If we bring our skills back to the pitch, it can end well,” said the 51-year-old.
A tough analysis was due in Altach after the recent derby defeat against Austria Lustenau. “We have worked through everything, even addressed it directly,” emphasized Klose. The German was particularly dissatisfied with the intensity brought to the pitch, and this was written about in training last week. In anticipation of the upcoming task with the league leaders, Klose clearly told the team what reaction to expect. “Pressure and fear played a role against Lustenau. We need players who march away from the front,” demanded the coach.