Austria becomes a role model for LASK

Ironically, Austria must take LASK as an example: Three weeks ago, the Viennese kicked a representative from Bosnia-Herzegovina out of the European Cup – also with a lead of one goal after the home win against Banja Luka (1-0). Austria won 2-1 away. However, Zrinjski is a bigger caliber: Mostar stormed to the championship last season with a 20-point lead over Banja Luka.

Against Legia Warsaw it was the last stop for Austria in the third qualifying round, which is why the Viennese cannot alleviate their financial problems with the millions for moving into the group phase, but are dependent on transfer proceeds. “We will not sell our players at dumping prices,” said sporting director Jürgen Werner. But if the price is right, you don’t want to stand in the way of the players, “and we need the income.” Time is of the essence: the transfer window closes on August 31, and those interested in midfielder Matthias Braunöder, goalkeeper Christian Früchtl and threader Dominik Fitz know Austria’s constraints. Goalscorer Haris Tabakovic has already made an exit clause a bargain for the German second division club Hertha BSC.

Ex-LASK duo returns

Of the six former athletes brought to Austria by former LASK Vice President Werner, only Reinhold Ranftl and Andreas Gruber are returning to Linz today. James Holland has broken a toe, Marvin Potzmann is out with a thigh injury, Marko Raguz has not played a minute for Austria since joining last summer, and Ibrahima Drame has been sold to Turkish second division club Bandirmaspor.