WAC and WSG Tirol duel for the first win of the season

If it is Saturday (At 5 pm on the Sport24 LIVEWolfsberger AC WSG Tirol receives in the fourth round of the German Bundesliga at Lavanttal Arena at home, then two teams meet without a win. Carinthians decorate the end of the table with a point from three matches. Watens is ninth, but is undefeated after three draws. Both teams played in the championship group last season, so they finally want to take their first league win.

For the first time in five and a half years – since the 2015/16 season – WAC are at the bottom of the league. Coach Robin Dutt was calm after the 3-0 defeat at Rapid: “It’s a long season, we won’t be disturbed. Of course there is a certain pressure, you want to win the game at home.” Above all, the many goals scored and the currently prevalent lack of attackers among the Carinthians is troubling.

The WAC can once again rely on Leitgeb in defense

The gap left by Dejan Jovelich’s departure in attack has not yet been filled. “Take advantage of the opportunities has to improve of course,” demands Dutt, but praises offensive newcomer Tai Paribou. “I am very satisfied with him. He has to learn the procedures and timing first. But the fact that he has such high chances against Rapid speaks for him.”

The defense must now stabilize veteran Mario Litgebe, who has served his red ban. “He is a very important player for us. When he plays, my outstretched arm is in the defensive organization. We talk a lot with each other. The things I ask for, he can pass on to the other players on the field,” he said. Thankfully Dutt has Leitgeb available again.

Dutt praises WSG coach Silberberger

Against the Tyroleans, the German now hopes to increase his team’s efficiency, but cautions against the WSG’s counter-force in shift actions – especially since Wattens has real scissors once again with Giacomo Vrioni. Meanwhile, the 56-year-old sprinkles roses on his counterpart Thomas Silberger. “I think he’s doing a great job. You have to look at where the financial options are.”

“I don’t expect an opponent who has been beaten, but someone who has been well trained,” said the WSG coach wary of underestimating WAC, just because he had a poor start to the season. “Anyone who considers us candidates now has no idea about football,” Silberger said.

Pre-programmed party goal?

The 48-year-old expects an “open game on both sides”. This led to two confrontations last season, and the doorbell rang 19 times in the four matches. WSG has two victories – one defeat and one draw. They want to build on that, because the Tyroleans have been waiting for an away win for five months. The most recent one so far was on March 14th in a 5-3 victory in Wolfsberg.

According to Silberger, more stability and perseverance is needed in his squad to ensure that also succeeds on Saturday. “I think we just have to play our game longer than in the first three rounds. In front of Admira it was 50 to 55 minutes, against LASK in one game and against Austria similarly. Wolfsberg was not defeated again and probably got three.”