Valiant SKN Still Searching for Goals: "Performance Was Really Decent"

Coach is Proud

"I am very proud of this performance. We had more 'oh' moments in the stadium than the opponent," beams head coach Cem Sekerlioglu.

For instance, a shot from Leomend Krasniqi hit the crossbar shortly before Haris Tabakovic's (23') opening goal for Salzburg.

"We had extreme problems in the first ten minutes. Then we got into the game well, had Krasniqi's shot hit the crossbar, and in return, you concede the 0-1. We showed our true colours, built up well from the back, and created chances," explains the SKN coach.

Salzburg Provides Space

"It's due to the fact that everyone (in the league, editor's note) sits deep against us. Salzburg press, attack, and give you space. We have our solutions. These were fine plays, great to watch. That's our game. If the opponent doesn't allow that, it's difficult. When we sat deep, Salzburg didn't have many answers either," is Sekerlioglu's logic.

"Es ist die Königsklasse, den Block zu bespielen. Wenn der Gegner draufgeht und uns Raum gibt, ist das für uns der Leckerbissen."

Cem Sekerlioglu

However, it is also clear that one goal from the last six games is not exactly outstanding. In the first Cup round, they still managed a 2-1 win after extra time against Tillmitsch.

"We have to score goals, otherwise you won't win any games. That's logical," says defender Niklas Szerencsi in an interview with LAOLA1.

"It's the ultimate challenge..."

In the league, however, a different scenario often awaits. "Playing against a deep-lying block is the ultimate challenge. When the opponent presses and gives us space, that's a treat for us," says Sekerlioglu.

With a bit more luck, more would have been possible against Salzburg too. "If we had scored to make it 1-2 through Luis Hartwig in the 46th minute, the world would look different. But then you immediately concede the 0-3, which briefly pulled the plug on us," says the 47-year-old.

Nevertheless, the experience of having played against Salzburg should help. "We played against currently the strongest team in Austria. For that, the performance was really decent. At times, we were really good in the match," says Szerencsi.

Third Consecutive Salzburg Match Awaits

The Salzburg weeks continue for SKN. After two home games against Austria and Red Bull, next Sunday sees them travel to FC Liefering. "It's important that we continue to implement our DNA. Next week, the young Bulls await," Szerencsi knows.

The opponent's compliment will also do them good. Coach Danny Röhl praises SKN: "Compliments to the opponent. They did an excellent job. Played football, brave approach."

Next week, they should at least manage to score their next goal of the season. If it's not enough against Red Bull Salzburg, then they should at least get on the scoresheet against the Mozartstadt club's cooperation partner.