Crisis atmosphere at Austria: Coach Helm calls for team spirit and cohesion!

Crisis atmosphere at Austria: Coach Helm calls for team spirit and cohesion!

On August 29, 2025, the Austrian football club Austria Wien is experiencing a difficult phase. After a catastrophic start to the season, which ended with an exit from the European Cup and the ÖFB Cup and only one point from the first four league games, the team is under pressure. Coach Helm spoke at a press conference and appealed for solidarity within the team in order to find solutions together. “The character of every individual is now in demand,” he emphasized and was convinced that the group can emerge stronger from this crisis situation. Helm described his team as a “dominant football team” and promised to take the necessary improvement measures with a clear plan and confidence in their own strengths.

However, the problems of the club's management cannot be overlooked: sports director Jürgen Werner announced his resignation in order to take pressure off the team and the club. The club management also remained cautious before the upcoming game against Altach and the international break. Sports director Manuel Ortlechner had previously stated that he stood behind coach Helm and spoke of a crisis in results. Board member Harald Zagiczek does not want to comment on the situation until a later date.

Psychological stress in football

The situation at Austria Vienna is not just of a sporting nature; it is also characterized by psychological aspects. A study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology sheds light on the effects of failure on the psyche of football players. Long-term crises can often be accompanied by unmet expectations, which can result in pressure, anxiety and reduced self-confidence. At the team level, there are toxic group dynamics, loss of motivation and poor communication structures that endanger cohesion. Some Austria players are already feeling this in the dressing room. Newcomer Johannes Eggestein noted that the tense situation was also affecting the mood in the team and underlined the importance of cohesion and integration.

Crisis management in football requires targeted strategies. Coaches and management should take proactive approaches to build player resilience. Recommended interventions include team-building activities, conflict resolution training and psychological support, the study describes. In this way, the team can learn to deal better with pressure and setbacks and improve their own performance.

The role of psychology in football

The psychological dimension of football is enormous and influences not only competitions, but also behavior on the field and training. Motivation plays a crucial role in the success of a team. While individual motivation is characterized by ambition and the desire to win as a team, team motivation also has a significant impact on the collective psyche. Highly motivated teams show strong cohesion and a positive atmosphere, which is of fundamental importance for the current state of Austria Vienna.

Coach Helm and his team face the challenge of preparing the players psychologically for the upcoming games. Mental toughness, self-confidence and the ability to overcome setbacks are central to performing under pressure. Techniques such as visualization and positive thinking could help overcome the current crisis. The emotional connection of the fans, who also support their team, can also have a positive impact on the team and thus contribute to improving performance.

The coming weeks will be crucial in overcoming the crisis at Austria Vienna. The ability to perform as a unit and overcome the psychological challenges will determine whether the club can achieve its goals.

For more information about the current situation at Austria Vienna, read more on Small newspaper, the effects of psychological stress in football economic power or the psychological aspects of the game The Rottenberg.