Wenn man sich in so einem Negativstrudel befindet, dann sind es halt genau die Zentimeter, die fehlen.
For Müller, who was playing against his former club for the first time, the missed opportunity was symbolic of the current negative run: "In football, it's often centimeters that decide things. And when you're in a downward spiral like this, those are exactly the centimeters that are missing."
"So many things" not working right now
With just eight points from twelve games, Austria enter the final international break of the year sitting second-bottom in the table. The slump continues, and given their league position, Dragovic is under no illusions.
"There are so many things that aren't right at Austria right now, without me wanting to go into detail. We're in second-to-last place. Anyone who thought we would finish in the top six is mistaken. We are in a relegation battle. From that perspective, we now have to focus on ourselves and our performances as quickly as possible."
For the veteran player, it is clear that expectations and reality are currently far apart: "It is obviously far too little for the standards of Austria Vienna."
Austria facing major challenges
Interim head coach Uhlig also sees his team facing major challenges at present.
Even simple routines are costing the Violets a lot of energy right now, as the coach explains: "We currently have to work extremely hard for everything. We need two or three more actions for everything than we normally would. Everything that usually comes easily is now the exact opposite and very difficult."
Ich bitte einfach um Verständnis, dass ich jetzt gerade zwei Wochen da bin und mich Themen wie Abstiegskampf oder Top sechs einfach gar nicht interessieren.
While Dragovic is already talking openly about a relegation battle, Uhlig does not want to dwell on the league table for now. For the interim coach, the sporting development of his team takes priority.
"I just ask for understanding that I've only been here for two weeks, and issues like a relegation battle or the top six simply don't interest me at all right now. I am responsible for making sure the team performs on the pitch. That's what I'm here for, and unfortunately I can't evaluate anything else at the moment."
11th place "not worthy of Austria"
It is particularly bitter for the Violets that they were unable to turn their improved performances against Hartberg and Rapid into points. That is another reason why Dragovic warns against losing nerve in light of the crisis.
"We played well twice and unfortunately didn't get the points. We have to keep working on ourselves and not let ourselves be driven crazy, the way the media and everyone would love to see us fighting among ourselves now. But of course, being second-bottom in the first place is not worthy of Austria."
"I'm not saying we have to compete in the top three, which actually should be Austria Vienna's target as well. But when you look at our financial resources compared to the other teams up there, we don't belong there either. Nevertheless, sitting down at the bottom is not satisfying," Dragovic said.
Instead of battling for the top spots, the Violets are now fighting for survival. A reality that everyone at the club must face, according to Dragovic: "We now have to accept the truth that we are playing to avoid relegation this year."
