In the relegation battle

Kapfenberg coach fired, player-coach on the move

Abdulah Ibrakovic's days as KSV coach are numbered

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Change on the coach's bench at Kapfenberger SV! The relegation-threatened club replaces Abdulah Ibrakovic and appoints a player-coach. Everything is at stake for the Falken in the second division on Friday.

Shortly after half past seven in the evening, Kapfenberg set off a bombshell on their social media channels: "Change of coach at KSV 1919! We would like to thank Ibrak for all his hard work and especially for his sensational comeback last year!"

"However, the current sporting situation leaves us with no choice but to bring new momentum to the team," concluded the statement from the second division club. As the "Krone" learned on Monday morning, captain Matthias Puschl will take over as player-coach for the time being.

KSV caught in relegation maelstrom
President Erwin Fuchs was very reluctant to make the coaching change because he has a friendly relationship with Abdulah Ibrakovic: "But it's getting tight for us at the back now - and the air seemed to be out a bit!"

But it's getting tight at the back for us now - and the air seemed to be a bit out!

KSV-Präsident Erwin Fuchs

The sacked coach, who had already coached Kapfenberg between August 2020 and November 2021, rejoined the club in October 2022 and had averaged 1.4 points per game in 45 league and cup games.

Recently, however, the results left a lot to be desired. The Falcons celebrated just one win in nine games in the spring and are now even in danger of relegation.

Only three points left
Only three points currently separate KSV from Dornbirn, who are in 14th place and in danger of relegation. The decisive game in Vorarlberg is already scheduled for Friday (18:10), five rounds before the end of the season.

"We absolutely want to save the league on a sporting level and not have to rely on other clubs like Leoben and Dornbirn not being admitted. The team has to prove something now."

Fuchs also sees Ibrakovic as a victim of some goalkeeping mistakes and refereeing decisions: "The fact that Walchhütter was sent off for a hand (note: after which there was also a penalty) decided the game against Horn. At LASK - Rapid there was also such a handball, but Rapid was only punished with a penalty."