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Before the title showdown: provocations and raw nerves

Before the title showdown: provocations and raw nerves
Scheiblehner and Pogatetz
Image: Scharinger

Is there already a small preliminary decision in the fight for promotion to the Bundesliga? FC Blau-Weiß Linz is second in the table in the 2nd soccer league at leader SKN St. Pölten (8.30 p.m., live ORF Sport +) – with a win, coach Gerald Scheiblehner’s team could overtake the Lower Austrians. In the event of a defeat, the gap would increase to four points with three rounds left.

While Linz made no secret of wanting to become champions this season before the start of the season, St. Pölten coach Emanuel Pogatetz continues to understate: “We are in the middle of a year of development. So it would be a positive surprise if we go up. Blau-Weiss Linz, on the other hand, has invested a lot of money – not only in players but also in the new stadium. From what I’ve heard, they have to be promoted this season.” Statements that leave Scheiblehner cold: “The pressure is the same on both sides. A good result would be an advantage for both clubs. But no matter how it turns out, no decision will be made today.” Scheiblehner is not surprised that the Wolves coach wants to put the burden of favorites on his team before the important game: “They’ve been doing that all year. I don’t quite get it: They have by far the larger budget and can also afford two head coaches,” says Scheiblehner with a smile and alludes to St. Pölten’s coaching duo of Pogatetz and Stephan Helm.

Despite one or two flying poison arrows before the top game, that doesn’t change the fact that with Pogatetz and Scheiblehner two friends are now facing each other: in 2020 they were active side by side at FC Juniors OÖ. “We had a good time, but today we are competitors. That’s what we both wanted at the start of the season,” says Scheiblehner. Ex-team player “Mad Dog” is also looking forward to seeing you again: “We met for the first time when I was still a LASK player. I was very grateful that he brought me into his coaching team and gave me the opportunity to get into the coaching business. I was able to learn a lot from him.”

Support of the twelfth man

In St. Pölten, Blau-Weiss can now also rely on the support of the fans: six buses are making their way to the Lower Austrian capital – the guest sector (760 seats) is sold out. The twelfth man could make the difference today: While Linz can count on loud support today, title rivals St. Pölten even whistled after the recent 1-1 home draw against Vorwarts Steyr. SKN sports director Jan Schlaudraff reacted to this with incomprehension: “The bad mood got into the heads of our players. Anyone who doesn’t want to support the team should stay at home.” Which also proves: Even if the blue and white are supposed to be the big favorites – the nerves in St. Pölten are already on edge before today’s title showdown.

more from Blau Weiß Linz

Christoph Schösswendter: The playing sports director at blue and white

The blue and white trainer is tough on the fans

Will he be the new head of sports at Blau-Weiss Linz?

Curious point clause spurs blue and white kickers on twice

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