Der eine Spieler hinten - ich will nicht sagen, dass wir ihn uns hätten sparen können, aber ...
The statistics prove Fischer right: Before the break and the change, there were three shots (0.33 xG), afterwards eleven shots (1.55 xG).
"From my perspective: The one player at the back - I don't want to say we could have done without him, but you could see that if we have one more player up front, then you have one more in the box, better passing options, you can combine better," the midfielder further explained.
The desire is there, but so are the drawbacks
At the same time, the Austria captain also knows that the typical Austria 3-4-3 "actually worked very well in the past."
He is also aware that the back four also has its pitfalls. "You have to push through decisively and win the balls in running duels."
He would still wish for the change: "Yes, why not? For us attacking players, it's a bit easier up front if you have one more player. We saw: If we make the switch, it adds value. Perhaps we will maintain this in the future. It's not my call; I don't decide that."
Helm: The system isn't crucial
The decision regarding the playing system is naturally made by head coach Stephan Helm.
The Burgenland native did not clearly express after the game whether a change would even be conceivable. He first highlighted Austria's tactical fluidity within matches. "Accordingly, I wouldn't pin everything on formations," Helm said.
According to him, which formation or system is played also depends on the respective personnel.
"However, the principles and behaviors are much more important to me than the formation. Because then you can also tweak the formation a bit. Like today: We take out a defender, bring in a second striker - but still, the team's behaviors remain the same."
