“We can beat any opponent in this league if we bring our qualities to the pitch,” said goal scorer Luca Mayr-Fälten after the impressive 1-0 home win against FAC, who had been undefeated since October 2 last year. And yes, replied the 26-year-old from Steyr, who only returned to his hometown in January after years in the USA: “Yes, that was already an announcement for the coming season.”
Coach Daniel Madlener, whose team was among the strongest in the 2nd division in the spring, had a similar view: “I think we will be a force to be reckoned with in the fall. My goal is to keep developing the players until we’re among the best. And before that I won’t rest.”
For the time being, however, there are still four matches on the program this season. And mathematically speaking, the red-whites, which Madlener took over as coach in August as a pointless bottom, can still be relegated: the advantage of Steyr, who is currently eleventh after four home wins in a row, over Dornbirn, who is in the relegation zone, is nine points. But as early as Friday, the SKV in Lafnitz can withdraw the authorization for this theoretical possibility.
But back to the courageous appearance of the Steyrer against the favorites, who didn’t leave the field as winners this year and therefore had legitimate hopes of promotion to the Bundesliga. Only three players should be mentioned here as representative of the entire forward eleven: left-back Gerhard “Joel” Dombaxi even conquered the balls when he was already on the ground, never let his opponents come into their own and also repeatedly opened up gaps in attack. Christopher Kröhn, who only switched to Steyr in January, ran and struggled and ran tirelessly until he was substituted in the 94th minute, although his lungs shouldn’t have allowed it after the many sprints. And finally Mayr-Fälten, who not only scored his first two goals of the season in the past three games but also inspired fans and team-mates alike with great 50-metre passes. “This great overview speaks for him,” says Madlener, “and that he never gave up after a difficult time in the first few weeks.” But that applies to his entire squad: “Just a few weeks ago, hardly anyone in Steyr was imagining it can do everything that is possible with this team. And I am convinced that we are not yet at the end of our development.”
One player will no longer follow the red-white path: The 21-year-old German Michael Martin was released from training and games with immediate effect after differences.
Lucky at penalty
A weak Lower Austria derby between Amstetten and Horn ended without any major highlights. The Mostviertler were lucky when the Waldviertler missed a penalty, but missed three top chances.
Source: Nachrichten
