Sturm challenges Salzburg in a duel for first place
Before the international highlights of the next week, Red Bull Salzburg and Sturm Graz are going head-to-head in the national football championship. On Saturday, the defending champion received the pursuer from Graz, who can replace Salzburg at the top with a win. At the same time, Zoran Barisic is making his home debut as Rapid coach against Austria Klagenfurt. Bottom light Hartberg welcome the WSG Tirol. Kick-off is at 5 p.m. each day.
Serial champions Salzburg have been warned about the hit of the 13th Bundesliga round, as it was the only defeat of the season against Sturm. Graz celebrated a 2-1 home win on July 30 thanks to a brace from Rasmus Höjlund, who has since been sold. Matthias Jaissle’s team goes into the top game with just two points. “They’re doing very well this season, big compliments to the coach and the team. They’re marching through the league like we are,” Jaissle said verbally to the opponent.
In the defeat at the beginning of the season, his team would not have brought the “basic virtues” to the pitch. It should be different this time. “If we get to 100 percent, it will be very difficult for Sturm, if not, as we saw on the second matchday, the game can also end in Graz’ favour,” explained Jaissle. It is unclear whether the injured defenders Andreas Ulmer and Oumar Solet will be fit early.
In any case, both teams go into the game with strong balance sheets and a lot of self-confidence. Salzburg have been unbeaten in 32 Bundesliga home games since a 2-3 win over WAC on December 20, 2020. But also storm comes with broad chest. After two draws against Lazio Rom, the Grazers added their fifth league win in a row last Sunday, won the cup derby against GAK on Wednesday and want to overthrow the favorites with proven virtues.
“We want to put up an intense battle with Salzburg in their stadium and trust ourselves to be able to compete there with the way we play football. If we manage to use our potential in all areas, we’ll be extremely difficult opponents for any team. We’re not going to Salzburg for sightseeing, we’re going to win the game,” explained Sturm coach Christian Ilzer.
After the national hit, both teams will continue with international highlights next week. Storm expected in the balanced Europa League Group F Feyenoord Rotterdam, Salzburg is also in the promotion race in the premier class before Chelsea’s guest appearance.
Such football festivals would also like to have Rapid Vienna, instead there is once again an attempt at a new beginning. Zoran Barisic has experienced a lot with the Viennese over many years and in many positions, and yet he faces a premiere on Saturday – the 52-year-old will see Austria Klagenfurt for the first time in the Allianz Stadium as coach of Hütteldorfer. The return as a coach was successful with the 4:1 in the cup round of 16 at WSG Tirol, now it should be followed up – and of all things against the team of Peter Pacult, with whom Barisic once worked as an assistant at Rapid.
Pacult does not want to attach any great importance to the reunion. “The duel between Barisic and Pacult shouldn’t be the focus. We’ll prepare and adjust the teams optimally, but then the players on the pitch will decide which way to go,” explained the 62-year-old. Barisic spoke of a “bizarre situation that we are facing each other as coaches. I owe him a lot. He brought me into the professional business as an assistant coach, it was three pretty successful years together.”
The respect for the Klagenfurt team is also great. “They are very good at set pieces and have a striker who scores from all positions (note: Markus Pink). We have to be strong in the head, be patient and handle the ball well,” Barisic demanded. The Viennese admitted to being “a bit excited” before his debut in the Allianz Stadium. “I’m incredibly happy to be the coach in this stadium, I hope that the players are just as happy and that the joy of playing can be seen on the pitch. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
In the away game against TSV Hartberg, WSG Tirol has the opportunity to overcome frustration. The 1:4 home defeat on Tuesday in the round of 16 against Rapid hurt, but should now be made up for with success in East Styria. The last four duels all went to the WSG. “You also have to see how the games went. I’m a long way from being called ‘favourite opponent’. It’s going to be extremely difficult again, especially in Styria – although we won three out of four games there and kept three clean sheets.” , said WSG coach Thomas Silberberger.
The Hartbergers recently conceded a bitter 0:1 against Altach with a last-minute goal, and three weeks ago they also lost to Austria Klagenfurt with a late goal. “It’s a clear sign that you have to finish the games if you want to take something countable with you,” said coach Klaus Schmidt. The Styrian will leave the bottom of the table with his club as soon as possible. Schmidt showed great respect for the Watteners. “They have a lot of energy, play straight forward and can put a lot of pressure on an opponent.”