"In terms of the course of the game, it's brutally bitter," said Zaric. "In the second half, we were decent. The problem that has plagued us for weeks is: the final pass, converting chances – that was insufficient."
When Altach scored, in the 68th minute through Mike Bähre, it was offside. That was also a pattern. "They had extreme spaces at the back, we often got in behind the defense – but unfortunately ran in too early," said Greil.
What frustrated Greil the most was that Lustenau had offered opportunities. "We had the chances, but we didn't take them. They were very efficient, just like almost every opponent against us right now."
Dissatisfied Fans
In the end, it's not just the derby defeat, but also bottom place for Altach. The packed away sector made its opinion unequivocally clear – there were whistles, and chants of "Fight, Altach, Fight!"
"I didn't feel that we didn't fight," said Zarić. "It's clear that if you concede a 0-2 lead before halftime, you won't be brimming with confidence. But in the end, you also have to understand the fans."
Greil also understood that the fans were dissatisfied. The fans had brought an extreme amount of energy, and that had spilled over. "I can understand that in the current precarious situation, as a fan, you are also very disappointed," said Greil.
He himself was dissatisfied anyway. How critical was the situation? "It's really critical," he said. Because the performances had generally been adequate so far, but they hadn't managed to get points from them. Greil said: "Three points at this point in the season is very little."
Zarić Likely Secure in His Position
Coach Zarić also knows this. He certainly doesn't exempt himself from responsibility, he said. He is responsible and must lead the way. He is also aware that a three-week international break is ideal for making coaching changes – but he feels the backing. Sporting director Philipp Netzer also confirmed in a Sky interview that Zarić would definitely remain coach.
What was interesting, however, was what the two also said. Zarić, for example, reiterated in a TV interview that he saw problems in certain positions. In the mixed zone, he said: "I pointed out a few things very early on so that it wouldn't go in this direction." When asked, he elaborated: "We have a striker issue, that's something we can't deny."
Too much of Altach's offensive play relies on magician Greil conjuring his magic. Yann Massombo, the most prolific striker, temporarily took himself out of the game with a strike, and Marko Raguz is injured again. Altach has scored just five goals in seven games, the league's lowest.
Out of the Crisis Together?
Netzer, on the other hand, defended the squad on Sky, stating that they could play a good role in the Bundesliga with this team. Netzer also said: "We lost this game during the training week – we failed to prepare the players in such a way that we could embrace this derby."
That sounded like strong criticism of the coaching staff, which Sky expert Ramazan Öczan also perceived. Netzer, however, spoke of seeing themselves as one team – and that attempts were being made to drive a wedge between the coach and the sporting management from the outside. After these statements, it takes at least some imagination to believe that this collaboration had been harmonious so far.
They need to make some adjustments, Zarić said, and the long international break comes at a good time.
"The only way out now is together. As boring as it sounds: We have to analyze this properly and emerge stronger from the break."
