Wir waren von Anfang an sehr aggressiv und dann gewinnst du eben so ein Spiel.
The Plan Works
Despite the spontaneous change, Sturm played assertively, clearly structured, and with full vigor from the first minute. Especially with their high press in a flat 4-4-2, Ingolitsch's team caused the opponent enormous problems.
"We were very aggressive from the start, and that's how you win a game like this," analyzed Simon Seidl.
Valmir Matoshi saw it similarly: "We were much more assertive in duels. I felt on the pitch that we wanted it more. Also thanks to the support from the fans."
Pressing as the Key - Diakité Again
After 13 minutes, exactly this tactical approach and the high man-to-man pressing led to success: Luca Weinhandl won the ball in the opponent's half, sent Oumar Diakité deep, and he coolly slotted it in for the lead.
"The transitional goal was exactly as we had envisioned it," the coach provided insights into the match plan against the French.
For the Ivorian, this is already goal number six in the last four matches. The 22-year-old loan player only failed to score in Bournemouth. "He's on an incredible run at the moment. There wasn't much space for his goal, but he still put it in," said Ingolitsch.
Match-winner Diakité was in excellent spirits after the final whistle: "I'm on a good run at the moment. Right now, I'm flying, if you can say that. But I'm just trying to help Sturm."
Second Goal Missed
Even after that, Sturm remained dominant. Marseille, which had changed eight positions compared to the weekend, seemed off track at times. JP Hödl (31st minute) and Simon Seidl (38th minute) missed the best chances for a 2:0.
"The only thing we can blame ourselves for is not having decided the match earlier," said the head coach.
Seidl was annoyed after the match about his shot hitting the crossbar: "It's bitter that I didn't score it. But the lob was still the right decision, I think. Next time it will go in."
Only in the second half did the visitors become somewhat stronger, but Sturm allowed almost nothing defensively. Repeatedly, counter-attacking opportunities were created, especially through Belmin Beganovic, who was substituted at halftime, and Seidl.
Looking Ahead
In the final minutes, Marseille increased the pressure again, but Sturm defended deep, didn't falter, and thus deservedly secured the home win.
"If our goalkeeper Ammar Helac only faces one shot on goal against such an opponent, that speaks for itself," Ingolitsch stated.
After the win against Marseille, the "Blackies" now have four points after three games and can continue to dream of the knockout phase. The chances are not bad.
Goal: Top 24
Even before the season, they set themselves the goal of reaching the Top 24. "If we perform fully or even overperform, it's possible. Before the league phase, we set ourselves a target of ten points."
The next opponent is NK Celje, who will come to Liebenau on November 7. The Slovenians secured a 2:2 draw against FC Salzburg on Thursday.
Before the clash with Celje, Ingolitsch's team still faces Ried and WAC in the league, and Lustenau in the cup. The schedule is tight, but the legs probably won't be heavy, as the coach remarks with a smile.
"We hope we don't run out of fuel. It's a lot of fun right now. But when I see how the boys are jumping in the locker room, I don't think they're tired."
Something is currently growing together at SK Sturm. Especially Graz-Liebenau is increasingly becoming a fortress.
