After CL setback

Bulls want to stop the negative spiral at WAC

Scored the golden goal in the last duel: Oscar Gloukh

(Bild: Red Bull Salzburg/Andreas Schaad)

The situation has changed dramatically. In the past, Salzburg had to mentally switch to the Bundesliga after Champions League gala nights, but now the daily league routine should be seen more as an opportunity.

And as an opportunity to at least regain some self-confidence after fruitless, sometimes weak performances in the top flight. This will also be the case on Sunday (14:30/Sky), when Pepijn Lijnders' side visit WAC.

There was a sense of helplessness on Wednesday evening after the 2-0 defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. It was the third defeat in the third CL match, and against the supposedly most beatable opponents Sparta Prague, Brest and Dinamo. The belief in their own abilities has not been shaken, but is gaping like an open wound. Slogans of perseverance were issued. "It's not the end, it's the start. Let's go," said Lijnders, who is still putting on a good face. His team now wants to get off to a good start in Lavanttal. But the Bulls are now also having to tremble in the league, even against Altach they recently had serious problems. Only two goals in the final stages secured a 2:1 victory.

"You have difficult phases in life"
However, the table still shows the former serial champions on the same number of points as leaders Sturm, and the recapture of the league title does not - yet - appear to be in jeopardy. "You have difficult phases in life. That's normal. We showed what we're capable of at the start of the season, we can't always go forward. We have to make sure we get out of this negative spiral," emphasized full-back Amar Dedic. "The positive thing is that we play again on Sunday and have the chance to do better," said his team-mate Mads Bidstrup.

Still fragile defensively, with too few chances in offense - that's how Salzburg has often presented itself recently, including against Zagreb. However, Lijnders still trusts his players and his system. "We have to exploit our potential. We saw in the Champions League qualifiers what they can do when they really work together and play together," said the Dutchman. It remains to be seen which personnel he will rely on against the WAC. Janis Blaswich will definitely be back in goal, as Alexander Schlager will have to take a break due to whiplash and a slight concussion.

Last win came in 2020
The WAC have not had much to play for against the Bulls so far. Of 46 games since the Carinthians were promoted to the Bundesliga, they have won just five and lost 29, with their last win coming on 20 December 2020. Salzburg have won eight of their last eight league encounters. Nevertheless, Wolfsburg, currently third in the table on points with Salzburg, are hoping for a sensation in front of a home crowd. "As we've seen this season, Salzburg can also be beaten. We definitely want to take something with us," announced goalkeeper Nikolas Polster.

Coach Dietmar Kühbauer has fond memories of Salzburg, at least as WAC coach. During his first spell in charge in the Lavanttal from 2013 to 2015, the Burgenland native achieved a balanced record, with three wins and three draws in nine games.