Mood subdued

Salzburg must show a reaction in Linz!

Recently, the joy at champions Salzburg was short-lived.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

After a few mood dampeners, Salzburg face an away game at LASK on Friday. Coach Gerhard Struber emphasizes: "We've trained well and talked a lot." But only a result can really help the Bulls: A complete success at Linz, who are also lining up with a new coach.

The mood at champions Salzburg has been much better in the past. Too much has happened in the past eleven days. After the 1:0 coup against Sturm on Easter Sunday, the team from Mozartstadt were initially on cloud nine. Only to feel almost like they were in hell after losing the Cup semi-final at home to Graz (3:4) and the meagre 1:1 against Rapid on Sunday. It was not the first time this season that coach Gerhard Struber's squad missed a lot in both games.

And it is also not the first time that many supporters have voiced criticism of the club, some of it harsh. To make matters worse, "samba rocket" Fernando was recently forced to retire early. Alongside Maurits Kjaergaard (thigh) and Nicolas Capaldo (knee), this means that at least three regular players are out for good. Whether Amar Dedic will return to action after an ankle injury is still questionable.

Victory to calm the waters
All in all, not a good omen for the away match at LASK in the league on Friday (19.30, live on Sky). The fourth-placed team in the table sacked coach Thomas Sageder yesterday. His former counterpart Gerhard Struber held many talks during the week "to prepare our issues from the past two games in the best possible way." 

On top in the duel with LASK: FC Red Bull Salzburg around Strahinja Pavlovic (right).(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Kuchler trusts that the recent absences can be adequately replaced. Which would be important. Because one thing is certain: a reaction to the past few days - i.e. a complete success in Linz - is a must for Salzburg! Otherwise, the Mozart city's mood barometer will be pointing even lower. And all this despite the fact that the Bulls are still top of the table.