According to the APA survey, eleven of the twelve coaches more or less expect Red Bull Salzburg to successfully defend their title, only “Bull” supervisor Matthias Jaissle was naturally cautious about this matter. Austria Klagenfurt is seen as a potential surprise team for the champion group.
No sensations are to be expected in the title race, at least when it comes to the coaches. Robin Dutt (WAC), Peter Pacult (Austria Klagenfurt), Robert Ibertsberger (Ried), Manfred Schmid (Austria), Kurt Russ (Hartberg), Thomas Silberberger (WSG Tirol), Andreas Herzog (Admira) and Ludovic Magnin (Altach) gave the succinct answer to the champion’s question: “Red Bull Salzburg”.
For storm coach Christian Ilzer – his club presented itself as Salzburg’s toughest adversary for long stretches in the autumn – a new entry from the Mozart townspeople is on the cards. “I don’t think we need to discuss the favourites. At any point in the football year, Red Bull Salzburg is and remains the big favourite.”
The Styrians are four laps before the end of the regular season, as is WAC 14 points behind Salzburg. Six more points behind is Austria Klagenfurt fourth, Rapid in fifth is one point behind the promoted team. Hütteldorf coach Ferdinand Feldhofer also believes in a “bull” march through. “They have a big lead and it looks like they’re going to be able to win the title again.” LASK trainer Andreas Wieland made a similar statement: “The championship title will most likely go to Salzburg this year,” suspected Dominik Thalhammer’s successor.
Salzburg supervisor Jaissle was cautious. “We hope and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. In any case, we’re in a good starting position. But with the league format, in which the field moves closer together when the points are shared, we need strong performances again in the spring,” emphasized the German.
Ried with good outsider chances
When asked about the possible surprise team this season, Jaissle Austria named Klagenfurt. “I have complete confidence in them that they will remain in the championship group.” Feldhofer, Schmid, Silberberger, Wieland, Herzog and Magnin also see the climber well on the way to the top six.
In connection with participating in a master group, Pacult only said that everything is possible, and Dutt did not want to give any specific information either. Ibertsberger speculates with his SV Ried as a top six team. Russ hopes for his Hartberger and expects a “real carnage” in the race for a place above the line.
Ilzer predicted an “exciting fight right up to the last minute of the regular season. Austria Klagenfurt has worked out the best outsider chances with a sensational fall, but also Rieder, who have once again strengthened their already very good team with Nene Dorgeles, as well as our Styrian competitor I think TSV Hartberg can do the top six.”
In addition to Salzburg (45 points), Sturm and the WAC (31 each) are also allowed to plan with the master group four laps before the end of the regular season. Behind them are Klagenfurt (25), Rapid, Ried (24 each), Austria, Hartberg (21 each), LASK (20) and WSG Tirol (19). Admira (16) and Altach (13) have practically no chance.
Source: Nachrichten
