Drama at Austria Vienna: Dragovic apologizes after red card!

Drama at Austria Vienna: Dragovic apologizes after red card!

Wiener Austria has suffered a bitter setback in the last few weeks. After a bitter 0-1 defeat in the ÖFB Cup semi-final against Hartberg, in which the decisive goal came from Donis Avdijaj in the 54th minute, hopes of the first title of the season have vanished into thin air. This result also means that Austria Vienna has not been able to reach a cup final for 10 years. Furthermore, a goalless draw against Wolfsberg followed, resulting in the league lead being lost after just one round. Against this background, the suspension of defense chief Aleksandar Dragovic is causing additional worry lines.

Dragovic, who missed the game against Wolfsberg due to a two-game suspension, received this penalty for insulting an official after the cup exit. In retrospect, he was self-critical and admitted that his behavior was not “worthy of Austria Vienna”. In an interview, Dragovic regretted his emotional outburst, which was triggered by a red card for his behavior towards referee Sebastian Gishamer after the Cup game, and apologized to his team and the referee team. He assured that he had no offensive intention. However, in his 18-year professional career, Dragovic has only seen red once and can look back on 100 international matches for the Austrian national team. If his appeal against the suspension fails, he will also miss the upcoming Vienna derby.

Lockdown and its effects

The impending ban could not only jeopardize Dragovic's participation in the derby against Rapid, but also affect the entire team dynamic at Austria Vienna. Sports psychology aspects could play a role here. While professional sports psychology is becoming increasingly recognized in football, access is often difficult for many clubs, including Austria Vienna. Only a few Bundesliga clubs employ sports psychologists full-time, and sports psychology work often takes place outside the public eye.

However, mental strength and team cohesion are crucial, especially in crisis situations like the current one at Austria Vienna. Experts emphasize that the establishment of sports psychologists in the Bundesliga is not yet completely complete. FC St. Pauli, for example, has made its search for a sports psychologist public and is struggling to find the right expertise. This shows the growing importance of sports psychology to solve specific problems and improve player performance.

In the current situation at Vienna, the consideration of sports psychology strategies could play a key role in keeping the sporting performance and emotional reactions of players like Dragovic at a high level. The next games are crucial, not only for the table, but also for the psychological state of the players.

The challenges facing the team are great and it remains to be seen how the situation surrounding Dragovic develops and what measures will be taken to maintain team spirit and competitiveness.

For more details and information on recent events at Austria Vienna, read the articles from Cosmo and Today. For insights into the role of sport psychology in football, visit the sports psychologists.