Parensen takes clear stance on coach Ingolitsch's future

With their elimination in the Round of 16 of the ÖFB Cup and two draws in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga, SK Sturm Graz has recently had to endure several setbacks.

This naturally increases the pressure on the coaching staff led by head coach Fabio Ingolitsch. The situation is reminiscent of last year, when, under Jürgen Säumel, they did overcome the Cup Round of 16, but then followed up with five winless games across all competitions. In winter, it ultimately led to a separation.

Lack of "Mental Freshness" as a Contributing Factor to the Slump

A similar scenario is currently not imaginable at all for Sporting Director Michael Parensen. The 40-year-old German fully backs Fabio Ingolitsch, as he emphasized to "Krone": "In this phase, we haven't wasted a single thought on whether Fabio Ingolitsch is the right coach for us. For me, there are no doubts whatsoever about him; I see the development in our game, I see the steps we are making forward."

Currently, the main problem is the team's lack of "mental freshness". However, they also have to accept the criticism "that we sometimes don't find the solutions against deep-sitting opponents to become dangerous," said the Sporting Director. Compounding the problem is the thin squad. "Our young players then have to be key performers in these situations - and that in intense periods with three games," Parensen notes. It's normal for players of that age to "be subject to fluctuations."

"Wild Reports" on Weinhandl's Future

One player who has repeatedly impressed in recent weeks and months is Luca Weinhandl. He was recently rewarded with an A-team nomination for his efforts. Rumours have been circulating for some time that the 17-year-old midfield gem could leave the reigning vice-champion in winter.

In an interview with "Krone", Parensen puts the speculations into perspective: "Neither we nor Luca himself are letting ourselves be driven crazy by any rumours here, especially since often wild reports are circulating, of which not even someone in Luca's family environment has heard anything."

Asked about a possible winter transfer, a clear denial follows: "While there's no one hundred percent certainty in life, I currently see no scenario in which Luca, who still has his Matura (final exams) ahead of him, leaves the club next winter."