Austria at the top

“Phenomenon” Sorda: “We’re really strong there”

Sorda (2nd from left), Schwaighofer (2nd from right) and Volkert (right) are currently in good form.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Austria Salzburg are smiling from the top of the table after their win against Altach Juniors.The playmaker amazed coach Christian Schaider.The hot weather was a problem for all the clubs at the weekend.

We thought he wouldn't be able to play at all," said Austria coach Christian Schaider, impressed by his playmaker Marinko Sorda. During the final training session on Friday, a muscle in the Bosnian's hip flexor gave way and he had to pull out of the session. After discussions with the physios, Sorda was able to play with painkillers. "He's simply a phenomenon," enthused the manager about the 28-year-old, who was instrumental in the 3:2 win in the Western League with two goals. As a result, Austria are smiling from the top of the table with maximum points. "You block out the pain in the game anyway, it doesn't help anyway," said the double goal scorer, who recognizes an improvement compared to the previous season: "We're really very good in terms of play, we've developed further. And we know what we can do. If plan A doesn't work, then it's B or C. We're variable, that's where we're really strong." However, there is one thing that needs to be improved: "We score too many goals."

Arrived correctly
Schaider has a similar view: "Many players have gained experience. Even when we fall behind, we stay calm." One player who symbolizes the next step in the team's development is Aaron Volkert. Arriving from Seekirchen in the summer of 2023, he needed time to settle in. "New arrivals often find it difficult at the beginning, and it was no different with him," says Schaider, who is happy to have the 22-year-old in the team. The midfielder repaid the trust with the winning goal in the Ländle: "I feel really good at the moment. When things are going well, everything comes naturally. But there's always room for improvement, I want to raise my level."

He is happy that nobody collapsed on Saturday: "It was brutally hot," Volkert and Sorda said in unison. Pinzgau coach Florian Klausner said after the 3:1 win against Lauterach: "I've rarely had such a hot game." The clubs rely on lots of water and ice.