Coach remains cool

Marko Pfeifer: “If you know Manu, then …”

Manuel Feller and Marko Pfeifer

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Austria's men's skiers are relying on perseverance early in the World Championship season. After three technical races, no ÖSV skier has yet made it onto the podium. Manuel Feller in particular experienced a false start with his Salto nullo. However, head coach Marko Pfeifer does not see a mental problem for his star. "He wants to win races. Anyone who has known Manu for the last ten years knows that this won't cause him any headaches," said Pfeifer after the Gurgl slalom. 

As in Levi, this became the prey of Clement Noel, who skied brilliantly on the ice. "We've known for four or five years that Noel is definitely the fastest slalom skier," said Pfeifer, praising the French Olympic champion. "He has just made mistakes or blundered very often." However, Pfeifer sees "no problem" with Feller in view of his fast split times. Manu has had that so often. He was one of the few or the only one who would have challenged Noel."

Next chance: Birds of Prey
The Austrians were unable to even come close to last year's magnificent triple victory in Tyrol. Fabio Gstrein was still the best in ninth place. "Of course we want more. You can see that the necessary looseness and self-confidence is sometimes not there," said Pfeifer.

"Nevertheless, we have improved a bit in terms of results from Levi," Pfeifer tried to look for the positives. "Hopefully we will improve again in the next race." It could be up to the speed skiers in Beaver Creek to secure their first podium finish of the winter. The downhill on the Birds of Prey is scheduled for December 6.