"Die sind letztes Jahr Meister in Schweden geworden. Die können auch was."
The truth also is that in the first half, Salzburg found no answers against the deep-lying Swedes and generated only slightly more goal threat than their opponents; therefore, the occasional whistle was heard against their own team in the stadium at half-time.
"The first half was not what we intended. However, the opponent also made it difficult for us," said Dominik Schmid.
The Swiss player pointed out: "They became champions in Sweden last year. They can play too."
"It was about controlling the game"
Coach Röhl also did not want to attach too much importance to the barrenness of what was shown in the first half.
"For us, it was about having control of the game. Of course, we can increase the tempo in one situation or another, but that's part of the learning process," said the 37-year-old.
At half-time, there was a tactical adjustment to have Karim Konate operate more statically behind the striker to get more players between the lines; the Ivorian ultimately became the match-winner with a brace.
How Konate is doing after his removal >>>
Röhl "all in all very satisfied"
Röhl explained that the goals ultimately coming relatively easily was also due to the preparatory work done in the hour before:
"From the 60th minute, you could tell that the opponent was tired. And the opponent only gets tired if you keep them busy and make them run. It's important to wear the opponent down – and we did that."
The German was also pleased that Mjällby – unlike in the first leg – had no single transition situation and consequently no chances this time: "We prevented that today because we had a good structure."
Röhl stated: "All in all, I am very satisfied."
Back in "Our Competition"
So now Salzburg are back in the competition they titled "Our Competition" for years, in which they also disappointed across the board last season, finishing 31st out of 36 teams.
It should be mentioned that the "Bulls" were not exactly lucky with the draw last year, with away ties against the two later finalists SC Freiburg and Aston Villa, among others.
Are there any wishes for the draw?
These are Salzburg's possible opponents in the Europa League >>>
Röhl hopes for Premier League opponents
"Of course, there are already interesting draws. I have a past on the island, maybe we'll meet one or two former coaches from Austria again," Röhl hinted at potential clashes with Premier League clubs Sunderland, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, or also with TSG Hoffenheim, where Christian Ilzer is known to be at the sideline.
No matter who the opponents are – if Salzburg delivers similarly confident and mature performances in the international autumn as they did on Thursday against Mjällby, their international journey this year could finally extend beyond a league phase.
