Salzburg in front of Tapstein: Victory against Linz necessary for balance sheet improvement!

Salzburg in front of Tapstein: Victory against Linz necessary for balance sheet improvement!

Linz, Österreich - FC Red Bull Salzburg is in a precarious location. With just two rounds remaining in the Admiral Bundesliga season 2024/25, it is clear that Salzburg can no longer win a title. The team currently occupies fourth place, only one point behind the Vienna Austria and four points behind the second in the table, the RZ Pellets WAC. On Sunday there is a crucial duel against FC Blau-Weiß Linz, currently the weakest team in the master group. The game takes place in front of a sold -out house on the Hofmann Personal Stadium, where almost 5,600 spectators are expected to hope for a victory of the Salzburg.

The balance of Salzburg against Linz is worrying. Salzburg was unable to convince in the last direct duels: in February 2022 the game ended in a tie (1: 1), and in November 2022 it set a 0-2 defeat. Salzburg also lost 1: 3 against Linz before the 2010/11 season. Coach Thomas Letsch therefore emphasizes the need to improve the "bad balance" and demands a victory from his team to protect the chances of the vice championship title. A victory is particularly important because no direct duels with anterior table neighbors are more due and Salzburg is dependent on shooting aid.

injury problems and team numbers

The injury worries near Salzburg are considerable. Defender Hendry Blank is questionable due to adductor problems. In addition, several players are injured, including Max Caufriez (back), Nicolas Capaldo (toe broken), Daouda Guindo (knee), Maurits Kjaergaard (ankle), Karim Konaté (knee) and Moussa Yeo (knee). This situation could also make the efforts to win against Linz more difficult, especially since Dorgeles Nene, who has already scored six goals in the current master group and has a total of eleven goals this season, is of central importance for the team.

The situation with blue and white Linz looks different. Head coach Gerald Scheiblehner sees the chance to surprise Salzburg, but emphasizes that the pressure is mainly due to the guests. So far, Linz has only collected four points in the master group and recently suffered two defeats. Nevertheless, those responsible are aware that a good result against a battered Salzburg would be important this season. A failure of Andreas Lukse, the replacement goalie that had to undergo shoulder surgery, is also considered a disadvantage.

conclusion and outlook

Salzburg aims to improve the balance against Linz and to receive hopes for participation in the European Cup with a win. Dorgeles Nene makes it clear that the team against Linz has to give everything to protect the chances of the UEFA competitions. The exciting constellation in which Salzburg can no longer concentrate on the title fight, but wants to get the maximum out of the remaining games, focuses on. A decisive meeting, which will be in -house both the cold of the table positions and the emotions around the game, is imminent.