NEWS
"We are ready!": Köllner confident before top match against Vienna
BW Linz secures three points from Salzburg and looks ahead to the top match. At Austria, the stadium issue causes discontent.
Blau-Weiß Linz defended their league lead in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga with a 1-0 away win against Austria Salzburg (to the match report >>>).
For head coach Michael Köllner's team, the next highlight awaits this coming Saturday at the Hohe Warte: the direct clash with second-placed Vienna, who are level on points.
While the Linz team goes into the top clash with confidence, the fan protest in Maxglan was also a central focus. Supporters from both sides highlighted the difficult situation regarding away fan capacity and stadium infrastructure.
Köllner Sees Team Ready
Success in Salzburg was not easy for BW Linz. In persistent rain and difficult ground conditions, the league leaders struggled at times but allowed little defensively. Köllner was particularly frustrated with the team's finishing.
"We made it difficult for ourselves in the end, we missed huge chances. We need to make it 2-0 quicker," explained the 56-year-old in an "ORF" interview. At the same time, his team was "extremely focused" and allowed Austria few opportunities.
Köllner is particularly satisfied with his team's development in recent away games. After the defeat in Kapfenberg (1:2) and a draw in Amstetten (1:1), BW Linz has made a step forward.
"In Kapfenberg, we lost, we were very restless. In Amstetten, we didn't maintain intensity for 90 minutes, we had lapses. And today we saw it through, today we won," summarized the German.
Top Match at Hohe Warte
With the success in Maxglan, the Linz team has created an excellent starting position for the clash with Vienna. The Viennese had taken the lead the previous evening with a home win against FAC, but now must cede the league lead again.
Köllner knows the significance of the upcoming blockbuster match: "This is a match that is certainly extremely interesting given the league standings."
Despite the starting position, nothing should change in their approach. "We are ready for it, just like for any other game," emphasized the 56-year-old. His team is prepared for the task; now it's important to deliver the performance in Vienna as well. "Then we'll see what we bring home from Vienna."
Fan Protest in Maxglan
At Austria Salzburg, in addition to the sporting defeat, the tense stadium situation particularly came into focus. The home fans refrained from their support for the first ten minutes and also skipped their planned choreography out of solidarity with the away fans (the background to this >>>).
The Austria fans also want to draw attention to the infrastructure with their action. The desire for a new, larger stadium is at the center of this.
Meisl: "Other People Are Called Upon"
Austria defender Luca Meisl shows understanding for the concerns of the supporters. While the lack of support at the start was bitter, he can understand the demands.
"It's somehow embarrassing and a clear enough sign that Austria is unable to provide the away fans with 156 tickets," finds the 27-year-old. Their own supporters are also affected by limited capacities at many away games.
The players can only influence the situation to a limited extent. "We try to push hard on the pitch and give our sporting best. Everything else is just stalling, and I believe other people are called upon to make something happen," Meisl directs a clear appeal to those responsible.
From a sporting perspective, the defender is unhappy with the defeat. For long stretches, his team had more of the game, but ultimately created too few clear scoring chances. "The 0-1 is bitter; I believe a draw would have been fairer," summarized Meisl.
