LASK is subject to Olimpija Ljubljana and extends European Cup EU

LASK is subject to Olimpija Ljubljana and extends European Cup EU

The European journey of LASK under coach Markus Schopp has suffered a setback. Last Thursday, the Linzer in the Stozice stadium in Ljubljana fell behind the Slovenian league leader Olimpija 0-2. This defeat followed a series of seven unbeaten games in which the LASK played confidently. However, this game illustrates that the necessary strength and precision still lacks to be successful in the European Cup.

The Slovenes were able to take the lead in the 15th minute with a precise pass from Raul Florucz on Alex Blanco. This campaign questioned the defensive work of the LASK, which did not convince that evening. It would have been worse even worse if the hosts would have used the opportunities on the rod and latte better. The LASK remained pale on the offensive, and that was also shown in the performance of captain Robert Zulj, who remained far below his possibilities.

The strategy change and exploitation of opportunities

Schopp tried to pull the helm around by converting the system to a 3-4-3 and using fresh forces such as Marin Ljubicic and Florian Flecker. Nevertheless, the hoped -for effect failed to materialize. Despite more speed and a certain effort, the Linzers were unable to play clear chances. "The LASK needs more energy, has to be much more hardworking," said Zoran Barisic, the former Olimpija coach, in the Studio of Canal +. A compensation could only have fallen through a penalty, which was not given by the Italian referee Daniele Ciffi when the ball touched the hand of the defender Jorge Silva.

In the final phase, the second goal for Olimpija, a hit by Pedro Lucas after a controversial free kick, was a wrong decision for many in the LASK camp. Coach Schopp criticized the defensive behavior before the first goal and admitted that the team was too imprecise on the offensive. "We have to accept the defeat," said Schopp. The next opportunity to break this negative trend will follow Cercle Bruges at home in two weeks, where the LASK hopes for reparation. Brügge already competed twice in the Conference League and has two points more on the account of the LASK.

In the further course of the European Cup games, Hoffenheim also had a defeat in the second appearance of Andreas Schicker as a sports director. Against FC Porto there was a 0: 2 in the Estadio Dragao, where Hoffenheim could not score goals despite a better performance until the first half. Meanwhile, Paok Saloniki scored the equalizer to 2: 2.

The challenges for the LASK in the European Arena have grown noticeably. A small score in the last ten European Cup games shows that it is time to significantly increase the performance on the square and the energy in the game. The fans and the team now hope that the switch will soon be overturned and the next games will be more positive.

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