Squad Management
Ingolitsch once again emphasized the improved depth that allows Sturm to rotate even in important matches.
"We have a good and deep squad, we have players who can replace others, and I believe that's evident game after game right now. It's also good for the team's dynamics when everyone gets confidence."
Quiet First Half
The first half, however, offered little to nothing. Sturm played more cautiously, focusing on their own defense. Rennes, in turn, found few openings. Only in the 30th minute was the consistently strong Daniil Khudyakov on hand.
Two goals, one on each side of the pitch, were subsequently disallowed by VAR due to handball and active offside, respectively.
"You also have to consider the quality of the opponent. We stuck to our match plan and somewhat neutralized their weaknesses. That gives us momentum against such opponents," Jürgen Heil praised the French side.
Entertaining Second Half
In the second half, however, the tide turned 180 degrees. The 13,109 spectators in Graz-Liebenau certainly got their money's worth. Both Sturm and Rennes played bravely going forward and had chances to take the lead.
"We were the underdog. But we managed to rally the fans and give Rennes a tough fight," Heil summarized the match after the break.
For Sturm, Jacob Peter Hödl had the best opportunity after a counter-attack (54'), while for Rennes, Esteban Lepaul was denied by Khudyakov (61').
Es tut schon weh, dass der Lucky-Punch nicht mehr gefallen ist. Trotzdem bin ich richtig stolz auf die Mannschaft.
No Lucky Punch
In the final minutes, the hosts, driven by their own fans, pushed again for a winning goal. However, it simply wouldn't come.
"It certainly hurts that the lucky punch didn't happen. Nevertheless, I'm really proud of the team," said Ingolitsch.
He also praised his team's approach in the final minutes: "We were braver. Also, by bringing on Simon Seidl as a wing-back, we tried to play for the win and not just close things down at the back. The momentum definitively shifted, the stadium was rocking, and something was in the air."
Nevertheless, it remained a goalless draw in the end, which, based on the share of play, is acceptable. "A deserved draw. We pushed hard at the end; if one had gone in, that would have been really nice," said Valmir Matoshi.
What needs to improve?
However, the offensive output remains an area for improvement in such games, as the head coach confirmed: "We've let many offensive moments fizzle out in recent games. We often make the wrong decision or are too imprecise. We can definitely improve on that."
Four points against LASK and Stade Rennes. For Sturm, the "English week" has started well; it will conclude on Sunday with the top match against FC Red Bull Salzburg.
There, they aim to continue their successful run as best as possible and finally jump back into the top group.
