Austria after Cup Exit: "The coaching effect was not absent"

During this phase, Eggestein also scored the opening goal; shortly before halftime, Oliver Lukic equalized for Hartberg. Except for the situation leading to the goal conceded, they had defended well, according to the Austria goalscorer.

Fell Back into Old Patterns

After the break, the picture changed completely; both teams exercised caution. "In the second half, we fell a bit back into old patterns," Uhlig complained.

Highlights in play were scarce; in extra time, Austria had two match-winning chances to advance through Julian Hettwer and Kelvin Boateng.

Despite the elimination, Eggestein draws a positive conclusion: "We were the better team over 120 minutes, the performance was very respectable. Penalty shootouts are always a matter of luck, so we can't blame ourselves."

Mentally Drew a Line

Uhlig praises his players' attitude: "In the last three days, I have experienced a team that is very self-reflective and knows that it's not a good situation."

Eggestein says: "We have to mentally draw a line under it, which we also did before the game. I don't think today's game can be compared with the previous ones."

After taking the lead, they remained stable and continued to put pressure on the opponent. "That was not the case against Ried and Altach. That's a clear difference that you can recognize. You also notice that the team is psychologically stable," says the German.

Uhlig's Signature Already Recognizable

Uhlig was impressed: "At times, you could see that the team was already doing really well. I found it remarkable that after two days of training, you could already see how we want to play."

Eggestein indicates: "You definitely saw his signature. Max communicates very clearly what he wants from each player. That helps everyone and gives us a lot of stability. I already saw a different face today."

However, the 33-year-old's style of play cannot yet be sustained for a full 90 minutes. "We have to work on that," says Uhlig, but notes at the same time that there is hardly any time for it in an "English week" like this.

Uhlig: "Therefore, the approach will not be to achieve it through training, but to highlight the positives from this game and to give these things to the boys and encourage them in it."

Does the Derby Come at the Wrong Time?

Does the home derby against Bundesliga table-toppers Rapid, who are in strong form, come at a conceivably unfavorable time?

For Eggestein, it is the perfect opportunity for a turnaround: "The derby is a very good opportunity to turn the tide and shift the mood in a different direction."

Uhlig knows that on paper, not much speaks for Austria. But the derby, as is well known, has its own rules. "A completely different energy emerges in the stadium and within the team."

If the phases in which Austria is good can also be converted into goals, the interim coach believes his team can achieve a result they can build upon. "Sooner or later, we need a positive result. I hope that happens on Sunday," says Uhlig.