In the APA Coaches’ Poll, they were optimistic that Franco Foda’s side would beat Wales away in the play-off on 24 March and also beat winners Scotland against Ukraine five days later at Vienna’s Happel Stadium. In addition, the coaches believe that the ÖFB trio remaining in the European Cup will do well.
International successes from Red Bull Salzburg (in the Champions League round of 16 against FC Bayern), Rapid (in the Conference League round of 16 against Vitesse Arnhem) and LASK (opponent in the Conference League round of 16 has not yet been determined) would be important for the reputation of domestic football – as well as a starting place in the finals in Qatar. “All of Austria is hoping for it, and of course I as a coach too. It would further increase the status of Austrian football. I wish the national team the best of luck and am convinced of the quality,” said Hartberg coach Kurt Russ.
Sturm Graz supervisor Christian Ilzer said that participation in the World Cup would be “a dream. But a lot of things would have to fit together, the key players all have to be in top shape and in top shape – it will be difficult, but it’s realistic. My fingers are crossed. “
According to Austria Klagenfurt’s Peter Pacult, he sees a “great chance” for the World Cup ticket. “The quality in the squad is high enough.” Austria coach Manfred Schmid made a similar statement. “If the Austrian squad is complete and all the players are fit, we have a great chance of progressing – I’m convinced of that. Austria has a lot of high-quality players who regularly perform well abroad,” said the 50-year-old.
Admira supervisor Andreas Herzog also has a good feeling. “The match in Wales will be difficult, but it’s not unsolvable. We could have drawn Italy or Portugal and it would have been a different story. If we play the away game in Wales positively, we’ll be the clear favorites at home.” Andreas Wieland would like the ÖFB selection to perform like last summer. “If the team shows the face of EURO 2020, Austria will qualify,” predicted the 38-year-old.
Robin Dutt (WAC), Robert Ibertsberger (Ried) and Thomas Silberberger (WSG Tirol) answered the question about Austria’s possible participation in the World Cup with a succinct “Yes” – as did Rapids Ferdinand Feldhofer, who added: “Because the boys know what it’s about and everyone wants to be part of it.”
The two non-Austrian league coaches are also hoping for two ÖFB victories at the end of March. “Austria is following suit and will accompany us Swiss to the World Cup,” predicted Altach’s Ludovic Magnin, and Salzburg’s Matthias Jaissle said: “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Austrian team. The conditions, by that I mean the draw and also the quality of the team, are quite good.”
“Herculean task” for Salzburg
Before the World Cup play-off, the European Cup appearances by Salzburg, Rapid and LASK are still on the program. Ilzer does not think Salzburg has no chance against Bayern and sees enough quality in Rapid and LASK to survive at least one round. For Pacult, the “Bulls” are outsiders, with the Hütteldorfers and Linzers the chances are 50:50. Ibertsberger and Magnin trust all three clubs to climb, Schmid rather only Rapid and LASK. “Salzburg is a clear outsider, but always good for a surprise,” explained the Austria coach.
Russ wished the trio all the best for Austrian football and Dutt simply said: “They will demand everything from their opponents.” Silberberger was much more specific. “Salzburg is eliminated by Bayern. LASK makes it to the quarterfinals, Rapid knocks out Vitesse,” suspected the Tyrolean. According to Herzog, a “Herculean task” awaits Salzburg, and Rapid and LASK should also surpass themselves. “As a patriot, I hope they go through.”
The coaches of the European Cup starters were cautious. Feldhofer is hopeful that all three clubs will still collect plenty of points for the UEFA five-year ranking, Wieland pointed out that LASK don’t know their opponent yet and Jaissle said: “It’s difficult to say how far it can go now , because these knockout games are also very much about form on the day.We’re playing in the Champions League round of 16 against one of the best clubs in Europe, it’s a huge task for us, but we’re really looking forward to it .”
Source: Nachrichten
