Silberberger rages: "Today, for the most part, we only have ourselves to blame"

Wolfsberger AC suffers its first setback on matchday 3 of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga. After a strong start to the season with four points from the first two games, WAC loses 1-2 to promoted side Austria Lustenau (to the match report>>>).

For coach Thomas Silberberger, the manner of the defeat is particularly disappointing. In a "Sky" interview after the final whistle, the 53-year-old finds unusually clear words.

"That is unbelievable"

The two conceded goals particularly infuriate Silberberger. "I am speechless about the goals conceded," says the WAC coach, adding: "That something like this even exists in professional football, it's unbelievable how we gifted the opponent."

For the first goal, WAC made a crucial error in build-up play, while the second goal came after their own corner kick and a quick counter-attack by Lustenau. For Silberberger, they were gifts to the promoted side.

His team actually had the game under control. "We wanted to execute our plan, but then we gifted the opponent with such a slapstick goal," the coach explains. Even after going 0-2 down, his team reacted, but ultimately made too little of their own good phases.

Players made "wrong decisions"

However, Silberberger does not agree with the accusation that his team appeared lethargic for long stretches. He rather saw a "highly intense match." But for him, the lack of sharpness had already become apparent during the week.

"I believe every player knows that today was not good enough for our standards," says Silberberger. He is particularly bothered by his team's decision-making: "We penetrated the final third quite often, and then everything just fizzled out somewhere. Here a faulty pass, there poor passing quality or crossing quality."

His conclusion is accordingly harsh: "Today, for the most part, we only have ourselves to blame. Hats off. Lustenau did very well, but we practically invited them to do well."

Gütlbauer and Verhounig also self-critical

The players also confirmed after the match that WAC cannot be satisfied with their performance. For Lukas Gütlbauer, who started for the first time as the new number one in the Bundesliga after Nikolas Polster's departure, "many small things" didn't work out.

Especially in the build-up play, numerous errors occurred: "Much more would have been possible today," says the 25-year-old.

Phillip Verhounig, who came on at half-time and missed several good opportunities to equalize, also sees the first half as a major problem. "We simply missed the first half, especially in terms of getting passing tempo into the game and dominating it," explains the 20-year-old.

At the same time, the attacking player bemoans the missed chances: "I think we repeatedly got into good positions, and then we created chances that we, and I in particular, have to convert."

Lustenau celebrates first three points

While WAC focuses on error analysis, there is naturally great joy at Austria Lustenau. Coach Markus Mader is particularly pleased with the execution of the match plan after their first Bundesliga win since May 2024.

"I am simply blown away by the team's performance today," says Mader. His players "tried 100 percent to implement" the coaching staff's instructions. Therefore, the victory was deserved.

The only fly in the ointment from the Lustenau coach's perspective: the Vorarlbergers could have decided the game earlier. "We have to score one or two more goals," says Mader, referring to the numerous missed opportunities in the second half.

"Sharp training week" ahead for WAC

For Silberberger, the task now is to process the first defeat as quickly as possible. WAC has no game next weekend due to LASK's match postponement, giving them a bit more time to prepare.

"We will implement a sharp training week, we will analyze this thoroughly, rigorously," announces the WAC coach. After a dream start with wins against Austria Wien and a point against Salzburg, they wanted to "make the season start golden" with a success in Lustenau.

Instead, their first defeat is now on the books. "Now we're back to where we usually are," Silberberger notes soberly.

Meanwhile, Lustenau will face Sturm Graz next week. WAC will only get a chance for redemption in two weeks against GAK.