Not so long ago, FC Blau-Weiss Linz was in a shambles: At the beginning of 2020, the financial final whistle was averted at the last minute. In the two and a half years since then, the people of Linz have been champions in the 2nd soccer league and third in the previous season. In the coming year, they will have a Bundesliga home in the new Donauparkstadion – in the new season, which kicks off on Friday with the away game at Vienna (6 p.m., ORF 1), Blau-Weiss Linz can now actually aim for promotion for the first time .
The sporty: Sports director Tino Wawra and trainer Gerald Scheiblehner did a good job: In the previous season, after a total upheaval, a team was built up, which immediately stormed into third place. The successful team was kept together and even strengthened with top striker Ronivaldo and ex-captain Lukas Tursch. This year it can seriously play for promotion. “I always hear that last season was in vain, but it was perhaps one of the most important seasons in the club’s history for finding a team,” explained managing director Stefan Reiter.
Finances: When it comes to the budget figures, Blau-Weiss Linz should not be the top favorite for the second division coaches. Almost three million euros means the highest budget since the re-establishment in 1997, but there are still teams like budget Kaiser Liefering, Bundesliga relegated Admira, St. Pölten, the GAK or promoted Vienna, which operate at a higher financial expense. However, the people of Linz use their resources well, have a clear game philosophy and a plan, which they also follow in transfer activities. That’s exactly why almost everyone has the Linzer on their bill.
The infrastructure: In the summer of 2023, the people of Linz want to move into the 5,000-seat Donauparkstadion as a Bundesliga club. Away from the stadium, the training opportunities for the blue and whites have by no means deteriorated after leaving the Linzer Gugl: the blue and whites have set themselves up nicely in the Lissfeld sports park – their own area with changing rooms, a small fitness room, a lounge, a Office for the trainer as well as two top training places are available to the people of Linz. Reiter: “The conditions are suitable for the Bundesliga.” Only when it comes to the infrastructure for youngsters are they still lagging behind: with the youth teams, the club has rented numerous seats in the lower house.
New rules:
- Only the master rises fast. If he does not receive a license, the next-ranked club with a Bundesliga license (maximum up to fourth place) plays relegation against the bottom player in the upper house.
- In the event of a tie, the direct duel decides the ranking, for the first time in the new season without an away goals rule. Three clubs are relegated.
Source: Nachrichten
