Spring kick-off

Nerves are on edge in the second half of the season

Are there also hanging heads at Grünau in the spring?(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

The "Krone" sets out five theses for the Westliga spring ahead of the big start on Saturday.Excitement right to the end seems guaranteed.

The time has finally come! The Westliga kicks off the spring on Saturday. The coming weeks promise to be full of excitement both on and off the pitch. Before things get underway, the "Krone" dares to make a prediction. Here are five theses.

...nerves fluttering: Austria Salzburg go into the second half of the season with a four-point lead at the top of the table. For the Violets, the 2nd division could be at stake. If the conditions off the pitch are right and the Bundesliga gives the green light in April. If push comes to shove, the nerves of Christian Schaider and Co. will be on edge. In addition, the competition around Hohenems (2nd) and FC Pinzgau (3rd) will mercilessly exploit any slip-up.

...New coach: Ernst Lottermoser's coaching position will not be the only one to be replaced after the season. At least one other team will announce a new coach in the summer at the latest. Based on the past few years, Bischofshofen is the favorite. Unless fireman Adonis Spica can finally stay with the Pongau team beyond the summer.

...No relegation: Grünau and St. Johann had a more than mixed fall. The gap to the relegation places is not large. In the end, however, the duo will prevail in the nerve-wracking relegation battle. Also because the competition from Tyrol and Vorarlberg has little appetite for the league.

Kilian Schröcker (right) is one of the best goalies in the league.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

...Collective top: With Austria, Saalfelden and Bischofshofen, there are currently three teams from Salzburg in the top four of the table. No other province will be in such a good position collectively. However, St. Johann and Grünau still have to improve.

...Two new professionals: The Westliga is a good stage to recommend yourself for professional soccer. Two Salzburg players are taking this step in the summer. Candidates are Mo Khalil (BSK), Austrias Yannic Fötschl or Saalfeldens goalkeeper Kilian Schröcker.