Egoist & goalie question

Austria & WAC: This is what the starting eleven will look like!

Dietmar Kühbauer and Peter Pacult.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Austria Klagenfurt and WAC kick off the new season in the ÖFB Cup on Friday. The "Krone" analyzes the players' starting eleven chances, the system - and what still needs to happen.

Things get serious for Austria Klagenfurt on Friday. In the ÖFB Cup, promoted regional league side Gloggnitz awaits, and on August 3, the Bundesliga gets underway with the derby in Lavanttal. Coach Peter Pacult is still tinkering with the starting eleven - but he doesn't have many alternatives due to the small squad in the 3-4-1-2 system. .

Goal. Officially, "PP" leaves the duel between new signing Simon Spari (22) and "oldie" Marco Knaller (37) open. Both made a safe, solid impression in the tests. Knaller has the experience, Spari the better shots and youth as an advantage. But the club won't bring in a three-time U21 team goalkeeper to leave him on the bench - so Spari has the advantage!

Spari (left) has the edge in the battle for the Leiberl.

(Bild: F. Pessentheiner)

Defense. Gkezos, Mahrer and new signing Szerencsi are the three-man backline. Robatsch has been injured for a few days.

Mahrer (right) is set in the defense.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Midfield. On the wings, Straudi proved his worth on the right, while newcomer Kühn surprised on the left - with his agility and running power. Cvetko plays the defensive part with the very accurate "workhorse" Koch. In the "ten" position, the lively and tricky Bobzien will be preferred to the technically elegant Wydra due to his league experience.

Ben Bobzien will be preferred to Philipp Wydra.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Forward. Toshevski is set, scoring an impressive eight goals in the sparring sessions. But: The North Macedonian must improve, is too selfish, must become more team-oriented, sacrifice himself more for the team - and not just wait for the passes. Binder is still out of form alongside him, doesn't make any tackles, but will probably start. Dehl and Soto bring more speed, but too little penetration.

David Toshevski is set in the forward line.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Reinforcements to come
One thing is clear: the squad is too small. Managing director Peer Jaekel knows this: "Something will happen, we would be too small if we were unlucky with injuries. We still need two more - preferably versatile players."

The result of the test matches so far: Three wins (against two regional league clubs and one lower league club), two draws (against first division sides Topola and Koper) and a 2-1 defeat against Rizespor in the last sparring session.

Verstärkung soll bald kommen

Beim WAC muss der „Fixstarter“ bangen

The "final countdown" for Friday's season opener is also underway at WAC. This will take place with the cup game at the relegated Ostliga side Draßburg.

Saturday's sparring session against Udine naturally gave an indication of what the first starting eleven of the second Kühbauer era might look like. Even if that is the intention - big surprises are not even possible due to the thin squad. So far, the team has mostly played in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Goal. Lukas Gütlbauer, to whom former coach Schmid and the entire club promised half the spring that he would become the new "one", must fear for the Wäsch' - because Kühbauer immediately called a duel for the place in the WAC sanctuary, sees a real alternative in Nik Polster. "Küh" leaves it open as to who will start in Draßburg. "We still have a whole week - that won't be the big issue."

Lukas Gütlbauer (right) has to worry about the "one".

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Defense. Matic, Baumgartner, Wimmer and Scherzer are the first choice. Alternatives: Diabate, Kennedy (also as left-back), Piesinger, Omic, also Jasic (as right-back).

Adis Jasic (right) is set on the "six".

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

"Double six". Should stand with Jasic and Altunashvili (for whom Piesinger made the "placeholder" in the preparation).

Dejan Zukic should strengthen the offense.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Offense. Playmaker Zukic (Kühbauer: "Good man, even if he has to get used to our game first") and Ballo (who comes in on the left) are needed like a morsel of bread - the "rest"? Rieder, Scharfetter are blessed, there is no explosion in sight for striker Karamoko, the right winger Gattermayer played little last year. So fresh blood MUST be added to striker Sabitzer. And one (or even two) new attacking players should be presented this week!