The chance is still alive

Why Austria Lustenau will not be relegated

Andy Heraf and his team are fighting to avoid relegation.

(Bild: GEPA)

Many have already written off Lustenau in the battle to stay in the league. But the Heraf team's chances are not over yet. In order to turn the tide, the captain of the Austria ship has to make some changes.

With six rounds to go in the championship, things are not looking good for Austria. Only BW Linz are still within reach, five points behind. A further point will be added to that, because the Linzers would automatically move up the table in the event of a points tie. Not good conditions for keeping the league after all. But there are also reasons why the Heraf team can still make it.

Lustenau Austria will remain first class...

...because it can also attack:
With six strikers and two attack-minded midfielders in the squad, the Green-Whites definitely have their potential going forward. Lustenau showed how it can be done at both major Viennese clubs. This explosion of forward play should set an example. Lukas Fridrikas thinks so too: "We can switch to attacking on command and practice such situations especially in training."

Lukas Fridrikas is one of the more dangerous Lustenau attackers.

(Bild: APA/EXPA/REINHARD EISENBAUER)

...because coach Andy Heraf no longer relies exclusively on "concrete soccer":
"We'll have to think about how to lay it on to get three points," Heraf announced after the 1-0 derby defeat. That sounds like a change in tactics that is not just aimed at defending. Heraf has been in the coaching business for a good 20 years and has already been through many situations. He manages to turn things around.

...because their next opponents, WAC, have not yet reached the relegation play-offs:
For the WAC, missing out on the championship round was a bitter disappointment. The Carinthians also seem to lack motivation. Lustenau will now face the struggling Schmid squad twice. An opportunity that must be seized.

...because BW Linz are also weakening:
The Linzers are still without a win this year and are struggling the most with the points split. The tension among coach Gerald Scheiblehner and his team is palpable. A new situation for the promoted team.

Altach managed to avoid relegation at the last minute.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

...because Altach can serve as a role model:
The Ländle rivals were also five points behind Admira two rounds before the end of the season. And still didn't get relegated!