Clear Statement Ahead of West Derby

Anticipation for the West Derby between Wacker Innsbruck and Austria Salzburg is high – among the players, fans, and both coaches.

The sold-out Tivoli Stadium will host 16,125 spectators, who will create an electric atmosphere for the clash between the two cult clubs. "We know this from the Cup match against Rapid. Experience helps. But it will still be a special game," Wacker coach Sebastian Siller told the Salzburger Nachrichten.

For the 37-year-old, it is important that the game is remembered for its sporting merit and not for incidents off the pitch.

"Would be Unworthy of the Derby"

"I hope that both fan groups remain calm in and directly around the stadium. We also have a social responsibility to inspire families and children for sports. There must be no violence whatsoever. That is unacceptable and would be unworthy of the Derby," Siller emphasized.

Christian Schaider, coach of the Salzburg team, also wants to focus on the sporting aspect: "The rivalry between the clubs and their different financial paths are well-known. But we are concentrating on the 90 minutes in which every coach and player fights for their side."

No Clear Favorite

Neither of the two teams sees itself as the favorite before the match.

Innsbruck's coach Siller considers the Salzburg team particularly dangerous due to their new signings: "They now have players with a total of around 700 first-division appearances in their squad – about 700 more than us. They have the edge there. But we are playing at home, and in the 2. Liga, every game comes down to nuances," said the Tyrolean.

Kick-off at the Innsbruck-Tivoli is on Friday at 8:30 PM.