Failed to Capitalize on Momentum
Yet Sturm actually managed to pull the momentum onto their side twice. After the early blow from Haris Tabakovic (5th), Sturm turned the game around within a few minutes thanks to a quickfire double from Oumar Diakite (16th/18th).
"It was a rollercoaster of emotions. We fell behind early, then shifted the momentum by making it 2-1. But the problem is that we didn't carry these positive moments forward," said Ingolitsch.
And even after Jon Gorenc-Stankovic made it 3-3, brief hope resurfaced (70th), before a moment of individual brilliance from Lindström ruined it (74th).
Ingolitsch: "A real, real shame"
Over the full 90 minutes, the Bulls' away win was well-deserved. Although both teams had the same number of shots, the chances for the side from the Mozart city were clearer.
Ingolitsch himself saw his team on par with their opponents from Salzburg: "Still, I never felt that Salzburg were better. Or that we didn't have the opportunity to defeat them. That's why it's a real, real shame."
Playing their tenth match in 30 days, the "Blackies" certainly reached their limits. This was also because Ingolitsch had few options for rotation due to numerous absentees. Compared to the Celje match, Jacob Peter Hödl was the only new addition to the starting line-up against the "Bullen".
"My team accomplished a great deal. They are incredibly fit athletically. But in the end, that consistency and mental clarity was lacking to decide such matches," Ingolitsch praised the effort.
Adjustment in Pressing
Nevertheless, Salzburg repeatedly exploited the Styrians' weaknesses ruthlessly throughout the big match. Jesper Lindström and Damir Redzic in particular caused unrest with their dribbling.
To counteract Salzburg's quick through-balls into the channels, Ingolitsch lined up his team to press in a 4-4-2 formation, unlike in recent weeks.
"I don't think the match plan cost us points. It was individual moments in the game. It comes down to very simple, basic one-on-one defending," the head coach clarified.
What needs to be worked on during the international break? "Exactly that," said Ingolitsch. "We need to clear our heads, and then we'll attack again," said Seidl.
Focus on Development
As a result of the defeat, the gap to the top of the table has now widened to 14 points.
But the focus right now is on overall development anyway: "It really doesn't matter what the table looks like in November. We have to focus on our tasks, and that means: defending better, becoming more stable, and conceding fewer goals," said Ingolitsch.
After the international break, they will head to the Ländle to face SCR Altach.
