Austrias Sorda:

“The quality is not enough for the 2nd division”

Sorda (left) played well.

(Bild: krugfoto/Krug Daniel jun.)

Austria Salzburg struggled with the 3:3 home draw against Wals-Grünau in the Regionalliga West. Playmaker Marinko Sorda made it clear after the game that the squad urgently needs reinforcements if the team is to be promoted to the 2nd division. 

Salzburger Austria missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Regionalliga West table at the weekend. The Violets only managed a 3-3 draw at home against a strong Grünau side. "The result is very disappointing," sighed Mathias Theiner. Coach Christian Schaider explained: "We were really good in the first half. But we did badly when we conceded goals. We could have got points against Pinzgau."

However, there is no cause for concern for Maxglaner. They still lead the league by four points ahead of Hohenems and Saalfelden. They are on course for a possible promotion to the 2nd division.

Every player can grow with the task. The lads have quality and enjoy my trust.

Trainer Christian Schaider

Speaking of which: Schaider doesn't want to talk about that just yet. "We still have ten tough games ahead of us, that's our focus." When asked whether his current team even has the quality to compete in Austria's second-highest division or whether the squad needs to be changed, the Bavarian replied somewhat defensively: "Every player can grow with the task. The lads have quality and enjoy my trust." Theiner also did not want to comment clearly on this topic: "The club is responsible for putting together the squad. It's difficult to say whether we could compete at that level because we've never played there before." 

Shone with three assists
One player who could definitely also play in the 2nd division is playmaker Marinko Sorda. The 28-year-old shone against Walser with three assists and was Austrian's strongest player. He was clear on the subject of promotion: "I don't think we would survive in the 2nd division with this team. We have a lot of good players, but we still lack quality." According to the Bosnian, the club will have to be active on the transfer market in the summer if they are to make it. "I really want to get promoted and play for Austria next season. But we would definitely need a few new players for the 2nd division."