Klagenfurt star struggles

Irving in poor form! “He’s not his old self anymore”

Austria Klagenfurt's Premier League player: Andy Irving

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Matic Klansek)

Austria Klagenfurt could have done better in their 1-0 defeat at LASK in the 2nd round of the Bundesliga Champions Group. Youngster Robatsch gave a sample of his talent, star Irving continues to raise questions.Cvetko turns 27 this Tuesday - and after the Linz game, the first player left the team.

What a pity! LASK remain Austria Klagenfurt's bugbear. Even in the 20th duel since 2010, the "Violets" failed to secure a win - despite putting up a brave fight.

However, Luckeneder took advantage of a collective lapse of concentration in defense and headed in unmarked from a corner kick (58') to inflict the second defeat in the championship round. With the score at 0-0, Karweina had missed a top chance in front of the strong LASK goalie Lawal in the first half.

"Didn't concede much"
"There was more in it because it was one of our better games against LASK," sighed head coach Peter Pacult. "We didn't concede much, we just have to take our chances up front," said midfielder Christopher Cvetko, who incidentally celebrates his 27th birthday today.

Happy birthday, Christopher Cvetko!

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

In total, Austria Klagenfurt have been waiting four games for a win - but their top opponents have been Salzburg (0:1), Rapid (1:1), Sturm (0:4) and now LASK (0:1). "They have much higher standards at all levels. On Sunday, Hartberg will be an opponent against whom we expect more," emphasizes defensive man Till Schumacher.

Jannik Robatsch

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Christian Moser)

Departure after Linz game
Jannik Robatsch provided a sample of his talent. The 19-year-old central defender was allowed to start for the first time - and played a solid game. "That was very decent," praised Pacult.

When was the last time he shot on goal? Where did his great passes go? Why doesn't he follow up when he loses the ball? I talk to him, I want to help him. . .

Peter PACULT über Andy IRVING

Mahrer is now missing
And the Klagenfurt man will probably also be back against Hartberg - especially as captain Thorsten Mahrer is suspended with a yellow card. Nico Wimmer (cut on his foot) is likely to return. However, masseur Matej Vidovic will no longer be involved - he worked in Linz for the last time and is leaving the Violets.

Andy Irving

(Bild: Gepa)

"All the virtues are gone!"
Meanwhile, Andy Irving continues to leave big question marks. The highly talented Scot once again only started from the bench due to a lack of form. "He no longer goes where it hurts. People know him differently, he's not his old self anymore. He no longer does what makes him special: when was the last time he scored? Where have his great passes gone? Why doesn't he follow up when he loses the ball? I talk to him, I want to help him, but all his virtues have disappeared since the winter," puzzles Pacult.

Last goal in August. .
And "PP" is right: Andy's last assist came on October 8th in the 2:2 draw against Salzburg, his last goal came on August 28th in the 3:0 win in Hartberg. The imminent transfer to Premier League club West Ham is likely to hamper the 23-year-old director. . .